Explore every episode of the podcast Leveraging Leadership
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Safe Bets to Breakthroughs: Building a Balanced Innovation Portfolio | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:40:02 | |
Noel Sobelman explains innovation portfolio management and how companies can bridge the gap between strategy and execution. He shares a medical device company example where shifting from safe, incremental projects to a more balanced mix led to higher growth. The conversation also covers using tools like metered funding, managing risk, and how roles like Chief of Staff help leaders focus on what's best for the whole company instead of just one business unit. Links Mentioned: Connect with Noel Sobelman on LinkedIn Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 03:55 Medical Device Turnaround Story 07:33 De Risking with Metered Funding 12:41 Saying No and Staying Agile 14:05 Governance and People Dynamics 19:16 Assessing Your Current Portfolio 23:51 Finding the Right Mix 26:33 Decision Focused Portfolio Reviews 28:32 AI and Maturity Benchmarking 33:36 Success Metrics and Gold Standard Example | |||
| Freedom from Mental Captivity: Insights on Mediation and Workplace Communication | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:40:02 | |
Stan Lewis, a former OSHA investigator and mediator, explains how most workplace whistleblower cases come down to communication issues and how managers can prevent problems by listening early. He shares practical mediation tips, like letting people vent, asking what success looks like, and using company policy consistently. Stan also talks about the importance of addressing conflict when it’s still small and relates his “Freedom from Mental Captivity” framework from his new book.
Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 02:50 Preventing Issues Through Communication 05:20 Early Resolution and ADR 07:00 Mediator Questions That Work 12:41 Setting Expectations and Offers 15:59 Prework and Breaking Stalemates 22:23 Handling Workplace Tension Early 30:08 Speaking Their Language DiSC 35:01 Evicting Doubts and Wrap Up | |||
| Persuasion Versus Manipulation: Ethical Leadership and Building Trust Across Teams | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:43:11 | |
JonRobert Tartaglione shares how to lead through influence without direct authority, drawing on his background in psychology and examples like political polarization and message framing. He explains why Chiefs of Staff need to use persuasive, not just expressive, communication and offers practical tips, such as using diagnostic questions, hedging language, and leveraging social norms in organizations. The conversation covers what actually works to change minds, why logic alone is rarely enough, and how to avoid manipulation or coercion.
Connect with JohnRobert on LInkedIn Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 03:26 Political Psychology and Polarization 06:55 Strategic Communication Modes 14:50 Persuasion vs Manipulation 20:55 Illusion of Explanatory Depth 23:52 The Art of Listening 27:59 Expressive vs Persuasive Communication 32:20 Loss Aversion in Business 38:31 Social Norms and Behavior | |||
| Speak Like a Pro: Boost Your Confidence with Tactical Leadership Drills | 19 Aug 2026 | 00:30:45 | |
Emily Sander shares three simple exercises to help anyone sound more confident in meetings, interviews, and presentations. She walks through the "expert game," explaining how to act like the world’s leading authority on random topics like Flashdance or koala bear feeding habits. The episode includes practical tips like recording yourself, using variety in your voice, and practicing for just 30 seconds a day.
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 03:07 Expert Game Examples 09:02 Exercise Two Three Things 13:37 Range and Emotion Variations 17:03 Exercise Three Five Things 20:02 Daily Practice Habit 22:57 Record and Refine Voice 26:44 Pick the Right Moment 27:46 Results and Final Wrap | |||
| Standards Over Stress: How Self-Leadership Heals Burnout and Brings Fulfillment | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:37:49 | |
Bobby Shelton shares his journey from chasing external accomplishments to finding real satisfaction through self-leadership, including losing 180 pounds and shifting his focus after reaching personal low points. The conversation covers the difference between "easy-hard" (doing things for others' approval) and "hard-hard" (pursuing what matters to you), and offers advice on setting simple, personal standards, like refusing to eat M&M's, to build discipline. The discussion also touches on faith, burnout, and how to align your inner life with your work as a founder, CEO, or Chief of Staff. Links Mentioned: The Self-Leadership Lab Podcast Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 02:34 Losing Yourself to Find Yourself 05:08 Burnout and External Validation 07:58 Finding Alignment and Purpose 11:59 Mirror Moment and Commitment 14:30 Purpose and Daily Standards 17:18 Build Standards One Step 20:31 Faith Philosophy and Selfless Leadership 34:56 Redefining Success and Closing | |||
| Q&A: How to Lead a New Team Without Letting Your Old One Down | 12 Aug 2026 | 00:23:34 | |
Emily Sander answers a listener question from Megan, who just got promoted and is transitioning between teams. She gives advice on setting up the old team for success, like handing off tasks to a "go-to" person and clearly communicating that change to everyone. Emily also suggests doing a listening tour with the new team to learn from their experience and explains the importance of being confident, having a plan, and not expecting everything to go perfectly. Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 03:09 Hand Off to Jim 04:52 Set Clear Boundaries 07:09 Align with Both Bosses 09:58 Lead the New Team 12:55 30 Day Listening Tour 16:25 Set Expectations and Culture 19:04 Reinvent Your Leadership 21:35 Bumps Are Normal 22:46 Congrats and Wrap Up | |||
| Growing Vocal Authority: Insights for Executives from an Accent Coach | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:50:43 | |
Emily Sander talks with Jay Poulton, founder of The Accent Coach, about how senior leaders can use their voice more effectively. They discuss practical tips like breath control, vocal variety, and recording yourself to close the “authority gap,” and share examples of issues such as vocal fry, upturning at the end of sentences, and monotone delivery that impact credibility. Jay Poulton explains specific exercises and the importance of practicing your delivery out loud to sound more confident and authentic.
Connect with Jay Poulton on LinkedIn Follow Jay the Accent Coach on Instagram Follow the Accent Coach on Facebook Follow the Accent Coach on Tiktok Subscribe to the Accent Coach on YouTube Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 02:30 Voice as an Instrument 04:00 Closing the Authority Gap 10:46 Variety Resonance and Framing 25:13 Practice Out Loud 27:13 Authenticity Over Performance 29:40 Presence And Emotion 32:40 Find Your Resonant Range 38:12 Pause Articulate Improve | |||
| Three Powerful Checkpoint Questions to Level Up Your Leadership | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:13:17 | |
Emily Sander talks about setting up personal checkpoints to track growth and avoid getting stuck. She shares three practical questions she asks herself every other week: Where am I getting in my own way? What's a middle way? Who can help with that? She suggests different ways to do these check-ins, like journaling or using sticky notes.
Time Stamps: 01:18 Three Questions for Self-Reflection 02:31 Question One: Getting in Your Own Way 03:28 Question Two: Finding a Middle Way 05:22 Question Three: Who Can Help 08:19 Recap of the Three Questions 08:44 Finding Your Checkpoint Method 12:39 Closing Thoughts and Wrap Up | |||
| Wearable Mindfulness: The Ring Revolutionizing Leader Wellbeing | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:38:43 | |
Johan Matton, creator of the Pulse Mindfulness Ring, talks about his journey from filmmaking to building a wearable that helps people take mindful pauses throughout the day using quiet haptic vibrations instead of apps or data tracking. Emily Sander, a former Chief of Staff and early investor, shares how the ring helped her be more present, cut down autopilot habits, and manage stress. They discuss the science behind micro-pauses, the choice not to include biometrics, and upcoming features like synchronized vibrations for groups.
Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I? If we haven’t met before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.
Time Stamps: 01:13 Meet Johan and Pulse 02:02 Johann Before Pulse 02:52 Origin Story of the Ring 06:10 Building the Team and Tech 08:32 Why No Biometrics 11:29 Science Behind Micro Pauses 15:18 How the Ring Modes Work 35:38 Roadmap and Closing | |||
| Perfection Is an Illusion: Tips for Giving Better Answers in Meetings | 29 Jul 2026 | 00:14:10 | |
Emily Sander talks about the pressure to give perfect or "right" answers in interviews and meetings, shares examples like people panicking or rambling, and explains why aiming for a "good" answer is more realistic and helpful. She encourages listeners to drop the idea of perfection and focus on contributing value, even if their delivery isn’t flawless.
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 01:11 Define What Perfect Means 02:20 Perfection vs Excellence 03:46 There Is No Right Answer 05:20 Aim for a Good Answer 07:05 Turn Rambling Into Clarity 09:54 Speak Up With Confidence 12:50 Final Takeaways and Sponsor | |||
| Trust and Impact: Ethical Influence and Authentic Leadership in Business | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:39:25 | |
Judith Germain explains her Maverick Leadership philosophy, focusing on trust, influence, and leading through uncertainty during reorganizations. She shares practical tips for Chiefs of Staff, like building trust before a crisis, giving people real agency in decisions, and using "intelligent disobedience" to challenge bad calls. The episode covers the difference between being trusted and being trustworthy, and how to spot genuine leadership versus performative behavior. Links Mentioned: Connect with Judith Germain on LinkedIn Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 01:01 What Is Maverick Leadership 04:08 Predictability Builds Trust 07:13 Trusted vs Trustworthy 08:58 How to Demonstrate Trust 13:12 Spotting Performative Leaders 19:11 Influence and Agency 34:31 Intelligent Disobedience and Wrap Up | |||
| Rethinking How Can I Make Your Life Easier in the Chief of Staff Role | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:14:00 | |
Emily Sander shares feedback from a listener who disagreed with her advice to ask, "How can I make your life easier?" as a new Chief of Staff. The listener argued this question could reduce the role to admin work and distract from driving the team's main objectives. Emily Sander explains her view that the approach can help in some situations, especially early on, but agrees it's important for a Chief of Staff to adapt and stay focused on results.
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 01:40 Fear of Admin Pigeonhole 03:31 When Empathy Makes Sense 04:53 Mixing Approaches as Chief of Staff 06:36 Drive Objectives Hard 09:23 Adapting by Team and Context 11:29 Feedback Invitation and Wrap | |||
| Beyond IQ and EQ: Exploring PQ for Competitive Advantage in Business Leadership | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:44:14 | |
Rohit Bassi shares how his transition from consulting at McKinsey led him into a Chief of Staff role at a major PE-backed company, exposing him to real-world operations, M&A, and industry-changing deals. He explains his concept of "people quotient" (PQ) as a framework for evaluating leadership, organizational structure, and talent operations, and discusses how Chiefs of Staff can use PQ tools to make quick, impactful decisions about teams and company growth. The episode includes practical tips for applying PQ in both private equity due diligence and daily business operations. Interested in private equity? Be sure to check out Emily's other podcast, Private Equity Experience.
Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
02:38 Inside the CEO Seat 05:08 From Operator to Investor 08:07 PE Basics and Due Diligence 09:28 What Is People Quotient 11:41 PQ Pillars and No Scores 16:28 Why PE Misses People 25:17 Using PQ as Chief of Staff 28:23 Tools, Next Steps, Wrap Up | |||
| Consultants as Chiefs of Staff: Using Big Picture Thinking for Real Results | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:13:42 | |
Emily Sander talks about how consultants who become Chief of Staff often excel at big-picture thinking and mapping companywide projects, but tend to get stuck over-analyzing instead of taking action. She shares real stories of consultants perfecting charts and data while delaying implementation, and suggests asking yourself if you need to "think more or do more" to avoid getting in your own way. The episode highlights both the strengths and blind spots consultants bring to the Chief of Staff role.
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 01:14 Consultant Superpowers 02:14 Analysis Paralysis Trap 02:58 Start Imperfectly 04:37 Think More Or Do More 05:48 Stop Getting In Your Way 07:09 Pretty Charts Vs Progress 09:13 Stakeholders And Big Picture 11:46 Wrap Up And Sponsor | |||
| Building Organizational Culture Amidst Transitions and Layoffs | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:39:35 | |
Emily Sander talks with Yorm Ackuaku about building visibility as a Chief of Staff, especially in marketing-led organizations like Vista and Weight Watchers. Yorm shares practical tactics, such as highlighting team achievements on Slack, running engaging all-hands meetings, and managing culture during layoffs. She also gives advice for Chiefs of Staff working with new principals and for those navigating global teams.
Free Leadership Resources: https://nextlevel.coach/resources
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilysander/ Website: https://nextlevel.coach Newsletter: https://emilysander.podia.com/newsletter-signup
02:34 First 30 Days Relationship Map 06:30 Culture Rituals and Recognition 10:09 Leading Through Layoffs 13:34 Partnering With Your Principal 16:17 Adapting to a New CMO Style 21:09 Global Career and Culture Lessons 35:36 Final Advice and Wrap Up | |||
| Practical Communication: Delivering Your Message With the Bottom-Line Approach | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:08:01 | |
Emily Sander shares a practical tip for communicating with busy executives: start with the bottom line first, then give a little necessary context, and invite questions if needed. Using the iceberg metaphor, Emily Sander explains that a Chief of Staff usually knows much more than they should share up front, and most conversations only need the essentials to help leaders make quick decisions.
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 01:32 Bring the Decision Forward 02:35 Iceberg Communication Model 04:12 Resist Showing Your Work 05:03 Reverse Engineer the Details 06:29 When Longer Talks Matter | |||
| The Principal’s Perspective: How Chiefs of Staff Shape Organizational Impact | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:31:41 | |
Executives and Chiefs of Staff share practical stories about how the Chief of Staff role shapes company culture, trust, and growth. Tim Moore explains how his Chief of Staff acts as his proxy to scale leadership, while Jessica Gonzalez highlights how having Ivan as her Chief of Staff lets her spend more time with her kids and trust things will get done. Guests discuss hiring from within, the unique qualities needed for the role, and the importance of loyalty, communication, and partnership. Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 05:04 Jessica Gonzalez 09:38 Perry Knoppert 18:27 Tracy Van Grack 24:50 Erika Aquino | |||
| Q&A: Balancing AI Adoption and Quality Leadership Strategies for a Maturing Tech Team | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:14:00 | |
Emily Sander answers a listener’s question about moving a tech company to AI-first, highlighting challenges when people use AI excessively or without checks. She shares practical ideas like approved use cases, tiered approval for AI spend, and the need for quality controls. Emily Sander also points out the importance of balancing AI experimentation with making sure standards and outcomes stay high. Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 01:20 AI First Culture Shift 02:11 Experimenting vs Standardizing 03:34 Trust but Verify 05:05 Token Spend Guardrails 06:45 Quality Checks and Controls 07:39 Center the Pendulum | |||
| Boost Your Presentation Presence With This Simple Technique | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:22:35 | |
Emily Sander shares a simple trick to boost energy and engagement in presentations: think about something you love, like movies, then bring that same excitement to your business talk. She uses a real story about bombing a dry run at a Risk Summit and how talking about her favorite movies helped her improve. Chiefs of Staff and executives can try this method to sound less flat or nervous during important presentations.
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 02:31 Practice and Record Yourself 04:31 My First Big Dry Run 07:08 The Bombed Presentation 13:41 Monday Redemption Moment 16:10 Risk Summit Stage Debut 18:23 Beyond the Trick Long Term 20:37 Try It and Share Back 22:10 Wrap Up and Sponsor | |||
| The Chief of Staff Role Through the Eyes of Principals | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:41:13 | |
This episode breaks down what a Chief of Staff actually does in different industries, from startups to government, and covers how the role is changing with AI according to Scott Amenta. Guests like Clara Ma share practical advice for pitching the Chief of Staff role internally and how to tailor your resume if you're switching from another field. Phil Burns talks about the confusion between Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff roles and why it's important to define them clearly.
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 10:00 Jeremy Costa & Trent Smyth 21:42 Clara Ma 33:51 Phil Burns | |||
| Practical Ways Leaders Can Release Guilt and Move Forward | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:10:27 | |
Emily Sander talks about how Chiefs of Staff often feel guilty or frustrated about things like not working long enough hours or not helping a struggling teammate. She explains that being too empathetic or self-critical can backfire and suggests telling yourself, "and that's okay," to relieve pressure and keep perspective. Real examples include feeling called out for working from home or regretting not helping someone in a team meeting.
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 01:04 When Empathy Becomes a Detriment 04:16 The Power of Saying It's Okay 06:17 Mountains Out of Molehills 08:03 Building a Higher Baseline 09:00 Try This Exercise | |||
| Weaving People First Leadership and Business Demands in the Chief of Staff Role | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:37:21 | |
Emily Sander talks with Lindsey Gardner, a multi-time Chief of Staff and co-founder of Sapphire Chief of Staff, about balancing people and business priorities. Lindsey Gardner shares lessons from working with the same CEO for a decade, why she always puts people first, and how clear communication builds trust. She also explains Sapphire’s approach to Chief of Staff recruiting and development and discusses how AI should be seen as a tool—not a replacement for humans.
Connect with Lindsey Gardner on LinkedIn
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 04:08 A Decade With One CEO 10:05 People First vs Numbers 13:45 Kindness vs Niceness 17:46 AI and Company Stage 21:45 Hard Tradeoffs in Practice 28:38 Sapphire Chief of Staff Wrap | |||
| Q&A: Turning Board Back Channels into Your Strategic Leverage | 10 Jun 2026 | 00:19:04 | |
Emily Sander answers a listener question from Sarah in Charlotte, a Chief of Staff handling board governance, leadership meetings, and benefits rollout. The episode covers how to build strategic relationships with the board, use back channels professionally, and avoid being seen only as admin support while keeping the founder focused and the team aligned. Real examples include collaborating with consultants and prepping the chairman for meetings. Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 01:20 Sarah’s Challenge 03:00 Leverage Board Access 05:20 Build Allies and Backchannels 08:03 Talk Strategy Not Admin 10:30 Coach the Board on Focus 13:15 When Founders Spiral 16:07 Create More Board Touchpoints 17:48 Wrap Up and Next Steps | |||
| Real Stories from Leaders on Chiefs of Staff Relationships | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:36:01 | |
This compilation features conversations with four principals about why they brought on a Chief of Staff, how they built trust in the role, and the impact Chiefs of Staff had on their teams. Examples include Lawrence Coburn hiring a former intern for the role, Nikki Barua making the Chief of Staff her very first hire, and Marcus East describing the Chief of Staff as a force multiplier who connects teams. The episode highlights practical challenges and benefits, such as helping with communication, offering a trusted sounding board, and building strong team dynamics. Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
01:16 Lawrence Coburn 10:07 Nikki Barua 20:50 Marcus East 27:23 Bethany McAleer | |||
| How to Show Up as the Leader You Want to Be | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:23:37 | |
Emily Sander shares why showing up as an unhurried, intentional leader matters more than always hustling. She gives practical tips like taking walks, working out, or even sipping coffee outside to set the right mindset. Chiefs of Staff and executives are encouraged to build daily habits - whether it's meditation, reading, or attending their kids’ soccer games - that help them become the kind of leader others want to follow.
Free Leadership Resources: https://nextlevel.coach/resources
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilysander/ Website: https://nextlevel.coach Newsletter: https://emilysander.podia.com/newsletter-signup
02:06 Unhurried Leadership Defined 04:35 Practices That Ground You 05:56 Choose Your Leadership Adjectives 08:04 Focus on Top Priorities 10:03 Know Thyself and Recharge 12:39 Build the Habit and Flip the Script 19:22 Recap and Next Steps | |||
| Driving Fast-Paced Change from Private Sector to Public Innovation | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:37:57 | |
Emily Sander talks with Lindsay McCleary about her journey from project management to Chief of Staff roles in both the private sector at Binc and the public sector for the City of Charlotte. Lindsay McCleary shares how she created her own job description, built trust with leaders, and tackled challenges like internal communication and supporting a fast-growing city. She offers practical advice for Chiefs of Staff, like moving from note-taker to strategic leader and building strong relationships with principals.
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| Optimizing Knowledge Management: Ensuring Information Flows Freely Through Your Organization | 27 May 2026 | 00:16:34 | |
Knowledge management is explained as making sure important information flows up, down, and across an organization, using direct examples like leadership decisions being shared with teams, or customer feedback reaching the right people. The episode covers how the Chief of Staff can spot communication breakdowns and keep everyone in the loop, including situations where leaders fail to pass on updates or overreact to minor issues. Tips are offered for testing if messages actually reach people and are understood as intended. Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 01:45 Top Down Communication 02:37 Bottom Up Feedback Loops 03:54 Cross Org Information Flow 06:11 Leadership Message Breakdowns 08:09 Accuracy Checks Upward 09:39 Transparency Sharing Philosophy 13:48 Build Systems Stress Test Wrap | |||
| Practical Strategies for Post-Crisis Recovery and Team Performance | 25 May 2026 | 00:37:50 | |
Savio P. Clemente, a two-time cancer survivor, shares how his experiences shaped his adaptive resilience leadership framework and gives practical advice for avoiding burnout and decision fatigue. The discussion covers high-pressure healthcare leadership, the importance of paying attention to your body, and why intentional silence and rest matter for Chief of Staff roles. Clemente also explains his "Aloha reboot" reset method and talks about his interviews with CEOs and CMOs on post-crisis leadership.
[TEDx talk and book by Savio P. Clemente] (available via his website) Savio P. Clemente on social media: Instagram Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
04:06 Cancer Survival and Body Awareness 07:00 Decision Fatigue Under Pressure 16:41 Post Crisis Recalibration and Aloha Reboot 18:28 Reframe and Aloha Method 23:21 Metacognition and Identity Traps 24:29 Intentional Silence Practice 33:36 Post Crisis Leadership Wrap | |||
| Making Progress in Interim Periods: Focusing on What Has to Happen Anyway | 20 May 2026 | 00:15:24 | |
This episode shares practical ways to handle uncertain times at work by focusing on the tasks that need to get done no matter what. Emily Sander gives real examples, like mapping and merging data systems during a leadership shakeup, a Chief of Staff streamlining VP workflows after an acquisition, and helping two clashing teams start working better together while waiting for a new role to be filled. The main advice: find useful tasks that must happen anyway to keep progress moving and give teams direction. Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
00:39 Do What Matters Anyway 01:12 Example One Data Integration 02:55 Testing and Iterating Fast 03:21 Example Two Post Acquisition Chaos 04:43 Reorg Focus for VPs 06:43 Example Three Awkward Promotion Limbo 07:48 Fixing Two Teams Conflict 12:07 Wrap Up Keep Momentum | |||
| Exploring Diplomacy, Foreign Affairs, and Disability Rights from a Chief of Staff at the State Department | 18 May 2026 | 00:59:40 | |
Andrea Cilliers shares her journey from joining the Department of Defense through a disability internship to becoming Chief of Staff for the U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights. She talks about working on diversity and inclusion at the State Department, influencing global policy, and meeting leaders like Pope Francis. The episode covers how she built relationships across government, advocated for disability rights, and offers advice on leadership and hiring people with disabilities. Link Mentioned: Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 02:54 State Department Explained 06:33 EEO Work at State 08:52 Serendipity to Chief of Staff 11:12 Vatican and G7 Diplomacy 14:57 Inside Vatican Meetings 21:46 Chief of Staff Playbook 34:22 Blinken Team Lessons 49:29 Advice and Disability Inclusion | |||
| How to Use Skill-Based Assessments for Effective Hiring Decisions | 13 May 2026 | 00:15:52 | |
The episode breaks down how skill-based assessments can help make better hiring decisions, whether you’re hiring for an entry-level analyst, a digital marketing specialist, or a software engineer. Emily Sander shares real-life examples like using SEO quizzes, press release writing tasks, and real client scenarios to test candidates’ technical abilities. The advice is to create assessments that match the actual job and adjust them for the level of the role, especially if you’re a Chief of Staff leading the process.
Who Am I?
01:04 Hiring as Chief of Staff 01:31 Two Assessment Principles 02:45 Digital Marketing Hiring Story 04:12 Quizzes Plus Real Scenarios 07:02 Comms Tests and AI Concerns 08:41 Engineering Whiteboard Pressure 10:40 Assessing Senior Leaders 14:00 Be Selective and Trust Process | |||
| Chief of Staff Careers: Launching Pad, Capstone, or Both? | 11 May 2026 | 00:35:26 | |
Emily Sander talks with Keosha Lucas about whether the Chief of Staff role is a career destination or a stepping stone. Keosha shares her path from Lyft, where she did Chief of Staff work under different titles, to startups and eventually becoming a Senior Vice President and co-founding a fintech company. She gives practical advice on gaining experience, handling imposter syndrome, and how Chief of Staff skills prepared her to run a business.
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 02:05 Doing CoS Work Without Title 06:05 Growing Pains and Processes 08:57 Discovering the CoS Title 16:04 Confidence and Imposter Syndrome 19:12 Career Arc to SVP and Founder 25:46 CoS as Destination and Advice | |||
| Handling Unfamiliar Acronyms Without Feeling Embarrassed | 06 May 2026 | 00:23:10 | |
The episode looks at jargon and acronyms in the workplace, using examples like ARR (annual rate of return) and CPA (cost per acquisition or certified public accountant), and talks about ways to learn or clarify business lingo. It emphasizes that asking questions doesn’t make you look stupid and highlights the Chief of Staff’s role in creating a shared language across teams, especially during mergers or integrations. Tips include using tools like Google or ChatGPT, paying attention to context, and not overcomplicating things with unnecessary jargon. Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 01:34 Step Back and Normalize Jargon 04:05 Learn by Context and Quick Lookups 06:45 Ask Anyway You're Not Dumb 09:45 Why Clarifying Helps Everyone 12:12 Chief of Staff Shared Language 17:38 Communicate Clearly Avoid Buzzwords 21:47 Key Takeaways and Wrap Up | |||
| Exploring Feedback and Emotional Intelligence for Thriving Workplace Cultures | 04 May 2026 | 00:36:23 | |
Emily Sander talks with Maren Perry, founder and CEO of Arden Coaching, about what HR really does beyond paperwork, why leadership development should start early, and the habits of high-performing teams. They cover tips for giving and receiving feedback, how emotional intelligence works in day-to-day situations, and how small changes - like starting meetings on time - can improve team culture. Maren Perry also explains Arden Coaching’s assessment tools and approaches for building better leaders at all stages of their careers.
Free assessment (organizational quiz)
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 04:20 Develop Leaders Earlier 08:24 Feedback and EQ Skills 17:41 Align With The Leader 20:52 Small Shifts Big Impact 22:04 Common Team Breakdowns 32:59 Assessment Services And Wrap | |||
| Q&A: Practical Ways Chiefs of Staff Can Collaborate Laterally | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:17:46 | |
The conversation focuses on practical ways a Chief of Staff can work with peers across departments, like finding small ways to make someone’s workflow easier or kicking off cross-team projects such as company-wide KPI dashboards and revamped performance reviews. Real examples include removing unnecessary steps from daily processes, automating Salesforce reports, and even simple gestures like ordering a camera cover for a colleague’s laptop. The episode also covers building trust through these actions and handling resistance from team members. Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
01:31 Small Wins Build Trust 02:00 Workflow Fixes and Shortcuts 03:44 A Tiny Gesture Example 05:54 KPI Dashboards and Automation 08:58 Handling Peer Resistance 10:27 Time and Political Capital 16:58 Wrap Up and Next Steps | |||
| The Intersection of Sports Psychology, Mindfulness, and Effective Leadership | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:47:02 | |
Emily talks with performance coach Benjamin Smith about using sports psychology and mindfulness for better leadership. They cover tools like visualization, breathwork, and grounding exercises for handling pressure, and discuss the importance of play, self-compassion, and knowing your core values. Benjamin also shares why striving for endless self-improvement isn’t always the answer and how feeling “whole” is key to real performance. Links Mentioned: Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 01:04 Sports Psychology Basics 02:27 Quarterback Pressure Tools 09:35 Flow State And Mindfulness 17:01 Conflict And Body Awareness 23:06 Body Based Calming Tools 25:09 Reframing Threat as Safety 26:20 Compassion in High Performance 27:48 Beyond Self Improvement Mindfulness 40:01 Play Joy and Closing | |||
| Q&A: Overcoming the Overqualified Hurdle as a Former Business Owner Seeking a New Role | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:13:21 | |
Emily answers a listener named Dallas, a longtime tree company owner, who’s struggling to get traction applying for Chief of Staff roles after his business closed. She talks about being seen as overqualified, how to preempt concerns on a resume and in interviews, and ways to use founder experience as an advantage. Emily gives examples like using a simple explanation on LinkedIn and resumes, referencing candidates moving from CEO roles, and how to address the “overqualified” issue directly with hiring managers.
Who Am I? Time Stamps: 00:25 Listener Question Setup 01:22 Why You Seem Overqualified 02:57 Resume and LinkedIn Reframe 04:25 CFO Story Example 05:57 Practice a Calm Talk Track 06:53 Founder Experience as an Asset 08:22 Family Business Dynamics 09:44 Get Feedback and Target Fit 11:52 Disarm Concerns and Wrap Up | |||
| From White House to Venture Capital: Leadership and Chief of Staff Insights | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:37:55 | |
Veer Sawhney talks about his transition from working as a personal aide at the White House to becoming Chief of Staff at an investment firm. He shares how skills like anticipating needs, managing high-pressure situations, and helping his principals stay focused have been key in both government and business roles. Veer also explains how he expanded his role to support the venture team and what he looks for in founders and investments. Link Mentioned: Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 02:05 Running Comms and Events 03:50 Working with Chiefs of Staff 05:17 From Politics to Investing 08:11 Landing the Chief of Staff Job 09:41 Transferable Chief of Staff Skills 20:09 Protecting Focus and Managing Interruptions 25:58 Building Trust and Expanding Scope 31:08 VC Work, Advice, and Wrap Up | |||
| How New Chiefs of Staff Can Build Ongoing Relationships with Leadership Teams | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:11:03 | |
Tips for keeping conversations going as Chief of Staff, like following up after a listening tour and spotting ways to help teammates. Examples include offering to QA an automated process or noticing patterns such as a lack of people management experience, then coordinating training. Early on, it's important to follow up on small things, even if they're only a big deal to one person.
Who Am I?
00:25 Why Listening Tours Matter 00:58 Setting Up Intro Meetings 01:59 Avoid One and Done Chats 03:21 Research Then Reconnect 04:50 Turn Insights Into Initiatives 07:19 Right Size Your Follow Ups 09:40 When to Relaunch the Role | |||
| The BOLD Framework for Leaders: Outlast Adversity and Disrupt the Norm | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:45:38 | |
Audley Stephenson shares his journey from basketball fan to podcast host and sports league commissioner, highlighting how audacity shaped his life and career. He explains the BOLD Framework for living audaciously, discusses meeting Kobe Bryant, and debunks myths about audacity by showing it's not reserved for elite achievers or reckless acts. Audley also talks about building self-awareness, celebrating small wins, and the importance of taking action.
Who Am I?
04:09 Basketball Podcast Breakthrough 06:26 Pandemic Pivot to Purpose 10:29 Bold Framework and Myths 23:20 Affirmations Need Action 24:47 Courage Before Confidence 25:20 Reframing Failure as Data 27:51 Bold Leadership Decisions 35:11 Audacity Myths and Legacy | |||
| Practical Strategies for Building a Culture of Feedback in Your Team | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:24:44 | |
Learn practical ways to build a culture of feedback at work, whether your team is new to honest conversations or already open to input. Emily Sander shares examples like using simple "what did we learn?" discussions after meetings, asking for feedback on your own actions, and starting anonymous pulse surveys. Tips include using "we" language in reviews, modeling how to accept feedback, and structuring shout-outs and team evaluations to encourage constructive dialogue. Link Mentioned:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 01:43 Why Feedback Cultures Fail 02:59 Start Small and Be Patient 03:36 Ask What Did We Learn 05:46 Model Feedback on Yourself 07:37 Debrief Story Example 11:14 Pulse Surveys and Follow Through 13:00 Structured Group Feedback Loops 22:29 Wrap Up and Next Steps | |||
| Leadership Lessons From Portugal: Managing Two Principals and Dual Roles (HR and CoS) | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:36:59 | |
Maria Paiva shares her path from chemical engineering to a blended Chief of Staff and HR role at a small Portuguese company, explaining how her job covers everything from people management to company strategy. She discusses working for two principals, how her company’s idea of Chief of Staff came from The West Wing, and why she often introduces herself as an HR manager due to the role’s novelty in Portugal. Maria also talks about earning team trust, organizing manager training, and balancing planned HR tasks with unpredictable Chief of Staff responsibilities. Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I? Time Stamps: 02:55 Two CEOs And Role Origin 08:50 Balancing HR And CoS 12:07 Managing Dual Principals 16:48 Handling Principal Pushback 17:35 Scaling Leadership Structure 20:42 Outside Chief of Staff Learning Curve 27:18 Building Trust Through Listening 34:15 Advice and Closing Thoughts | |||
| Taking Time to Value the People Around You at Work | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:13:49 | |
Emily Sander talks about appreciating the people you work with during each season of your career - like learning from Jamie, being challenged to grow by a boss like Rohit, or having fun working with someone like Matt. She also encourages listeners to recognize and value work friendships, even if they change over time, and reminds us not to take good team dynamics for granted. Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Timestamps: 01:07 Learning from a Teammate 01:40 Grateful for a Challenging Boss 02:43 The Coworker Who Makes It Fun 03:24 When Mentoring Seasons End 05:16 How to Express Appreciation 08:11 Work Friends and Lifelong Bonds 11:53 Step Back and Reflect | |||
| Building Credibility and Clarity in Moments of Uncertainty | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:45:35 | |
Chief of Staff and crisis communication expert Jeff Evans shares lessons from working in the California legislature, discussing the importance of building relationships across the aisle and handling unexpected crises. He explains the difference between narrative framing and spin, and gives practical tips for leaders communicating in the first 24 hours of a crisis using a four-step framework: what we know, what we don’t know, what we’re going to do, and when we’ll update. They also cover real examples like the Boeing 737 MAX crisis, Southwest Airlines' business model changes, and handling tough school policy situations.
Get in touch with Emily:
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 04:17 Narrative Framing vs Spin 06:55 Crisis Statement Framework 08:42 Precision Builds Credibility 13:47 Small Credibility Killers 15:43 Clarity Precision Narrative Model 19:13 Loglines and Lincoln Script 22:29 Leadership Logline Basics 25:18 Clarity In Crisis Comms 27:41 Tone Deaf Rulebook Lesson 35:16 Change Narratives And Alignment | |||
| Why “How Can I Help You?” Is a Dangerous Question for Chiefs of Staff | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:08:37 | |
This episode explains why Chiefs of Staff should avoid asking "How can I help you?" and instead focus on what will move the needle for their principal and team. Emily Sander shares real pitfalls, like getting stuck with small admin tasks, and suggests specific strategies such as spotting communication breakdowns or coaching leaders through challenges. The advice includes leading with strategic proposals rather than just picking up tasks others want to hand off. | |||
| Lessons from the Role of Chief of Staff and CAO | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:40:25 | |
Nick McDonough talks about his path from manufacturing and M&A to becoming Chief of Staff and later Chief Administrative Officer at the healthcare startup QuikMedic. He shares how his role expanded as the company tripled in size, taking on HR, data, and operations responsibilities. Nick also gives practical insights into prioritizing work, building trust with the CEO, and why he prefers working at a small, fast-moving company over a large organization.
Connect with Nick McDonough on LinkedIn
03:11 What QuikMedic Clinic does: mobile urgent care to keep patients out of the ER 04:36 Defining the initial role: Chief of Staff to CEO + Head of Growth & Strategy 05:40 How the role expanded into CAO: scaling pains, HR/data/vendor rigor 09:17 Day-to-day execution: small team, key projects, prioritization cadence & partner work 20:08 Big Company vs. Small Company: What Changes Day-to-Day 22:56 Why Going Smaller Was Intentional (and the Vet Practice Influence) 25:09 Chief of Staff Lessons: Trust, Candor, and Challenging the CEO 31:43 Favorite Parts of the Role: Full Visibility & Seeing Decisions Up Close 34:43 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff + Relationship ‘Thread the Needle’ | |||
| Giving 100% of Your 70%: Leading on Days That Feel Blah | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:08:16 | |
The episode tackles what to do when you feel a case of the "blahs" at work, making sure to distinguish it from burnout. Chief of Staff tips include taking a walk, stretching (like the doorway stretch), listening to motivational music or interviews (such as Kobe Bryant), and giving 100% of whatever energy you have that day. Emily Sander encourages self-awareness and having go-to strategies ready for those off days.
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 02:01 Quick Reset Tactics: Walks, Stretching, and Movement 03:51 Give 100% of Your 70%: Showing Up Without the Guilt 04:32 Name It to Tame It: Remember the Blahs Are Temporary 05:12 Use External Energy: Music, Motivation, and a “Pump-Up” Playlist 06:31 Build Your Personal Playbook: Patterns, Experiments, and Leadership Self-Awareness 07:49 Wrap-Up + Sponsor Message | |||
| Decoding the Modern Chief of Staff and Their Essential Responsibilities | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:49:39 | |
Rachael Goldfarb shares real-life stories from her time supporting the Chief of Staff to President Clinton and leading at the Gates Foundation. She breaks down what a Chief of Staff is and isn’t, highlights why the role is senior and not administrative, and talks about challenges women face in these positions. The episode includes examples of advocating for staff, building relationships, and navigating tough boundaries with principals. | |||
| Growth Isn’t Always Obvious - Give Yourself Credit | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:09:42 | |
Emily Sander shares stories about a former coaching client worried his current job stress might cause health issues like it did ten years ago, and a military veteran adjusting to planning her first personal vacation after years of work travel. The episode focuses on recognizing your own growth, not judging yourself by your past reactions, and giving yourself credit for changes you’ve made over the years.
Who Am I?
Time Stamps: 03:06 You’re Not the Same Person: Tools, Support Systems, and New Ways to Handle Pressure 04:00 Zoom Out: Stop Assuming Old Triggers Mean the Same Outcome Today 06:16 Story #2: Learning to Vacation After a Career of Work Travel 07:44 Reframing the Pressure: New Season, New Skills (and Some Transferable Ones) 08:44 Key Takeaway + Closing Thoughts: Grace for Growth and Life Phases | |||
| How Coaching Transforms Leadership at Every Level | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:44:28 | |
Brian Miller, president of Coach Approach Ministries, explains the difference between coaching, consulting, and therapy, and why a "coach approach" helps people solve problems by seeing new perspectives. The discussion includes practical examples for Chief of Staff roles, like asking thought-provoking questions, giving feedback based on observations, and understanding team strengths using tools like Working Genius. The episode shares tips on creating a safe space for honest thinking, growing through coaching, and building complementary teams.
05:50 Coaching vs. Consulting 16:54 The Evolution of Coaching in Industry 23:34 Thought Provoking Coaching 25:33 Effective Coaching Techniques 28:27 Feedback and Radical Candor 31:28 Levels of Learning in Coaching 34:02 Identity and Leadership 39:28 The Value of Assessments in Coaching | |||