Now We Build

Ep 26 - Eli Frank on being Chief of Staff at Samsung, exiting two startups, and what why the Chief of Staff role is better than an MBA.


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In this conversation, Eli shares his unique journey from a high school tragedy that sparked his entrepreneurial spirit to his experiences in the music industry and the Web3 space. He discusses the transition from being a founder to a chief of staff, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Eli reflects on the skills gained from working in the C-suite and the challenges of navigating leadership dynamics, particularly in a dual CEO environment. His insights highlight the blend of personal growth, strategic thinking, and the value of mentorship in shaping a successful career.


Keywords


entrepreneurship, chief of staff, music industry, web3, leadership, personal growth, education, business strategy, C-suite, mentorship, Chief of Staff, Board Management, Corporate Transition, Startup Culture, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Career Development, Inclusive Fashion, Team Dynamics, Professional Growth


Takeaways


  • Eli's journey began with a tragedy that inspired him to create positive change.
  • His early experiences in the music industry were both challenging and rewarding.
  • Eli's ventures in Web3 showcased the fast-paced nature of the tech world.
  • Education and real-world experience complement each other in entrepreneurship.
  • The chief of staff role requires versatility and problem-solving skills.
  • Building relationships and understanding team dynamics are crucial in leadership.
  • Eli learned the importance of storytelling in business and PR.
  • Navigating dual leadership requires balancing different priorities and perspectives.
  • Timing is key when considering the addition of a chief of staff.
  • Continuous learning and adaptability are essential for success in any role. Managing a board requires different communication styles.
  • Understanding the perspectives of various stakeholders is crucial.
  • Transitioning from startup to corporate involves significant cultural shifts.
  • Building relationships is key to effective leadership.
  • Productivity increases when empowering team members.
  • A Chief of Staff role can vary greatly across organizations.
  • Being proactive and approachable fosters collaboration.
  • Diverse experiences shape leadership styles and approaches.
  • Inclusivity in fashion is essential for broader representation.
  • Networking and mentorship are vital for career growth.


Titles


  • From Tragedy to Triumph: Eli's Entrepreneurial Journey
  • Navigating the Music Industry: Lessons Learned
  • Web3 Ventures: Challenges and Opportunities



Sound Bites


"How do we find resolution?"

"It's a people role."

"This is totally different."

"What can I do to teach people?"

"Do cool shit with cool people."

"I don't really like titles."

"I love meeting cool people."


Chapters


00:00 Eli's Journey Begins: From Tragedy to Entrepreneurship

02:08 Diving into the Music Industry: Early Experiences

04:06 Exploring Web3: Ventures and Challenges

06:10 The Value of Experience: Learning vs. Education

07:12 Transitioning to Chief of Staff: A New Role

10:20 Lessons from the C-Suite: Skills and Insights

12:30 Navigating Leadership: The Role of a Chief of Staff

14:03 Understanding Growth: When to Hire a Chief of Staff

16:12 Working with Dual CEOs: Balancing Perspectives

17:22 Navigating Board Dynamics

20:03 Transitioning from Startup to Corporate

26:54 Finding the Right Chief of Staff Role

31:25 Building Inclusive Fashion Brands


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Now We BuildBy Sam Marchant