Leveraging Leadership

Emily catches up with her old boss!

Amy Martin talks about her journey from 30 years in HR technology and customer-facing SaaS roles to becoming a career ownership coach. She shares stories about staying calm during high-pressure moments like client escalations and cybersecurity incidents, her empowering leadership style, and advice for those dealing with big changes, difficult personalities, or considering a career transition. Amy also explains how she helps clients gain clarity using tools like DISC profiles and personal SWOTs.

Links Mentioned:

• Amy Martin’s Website 

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 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:

01:09 Amy's Career Background and Mentorship
05:43 Handling Pressure and Client Escalations
09:48 Dealing with Strong Personalities
12:54 Navigating Change and Mergers
17:43 Career Transitions and Coaching
22:01 Holistic Career Coaching Approach
24:16 Becoming a SCORE Mentor
27:37 Success Stories and Client Transformations
33:55 Personal Motivations for Career Change

This episode talks about how leaders can get the best results with the least amount of effort, instead of just working harder by default. Emily uses real examples like organizing a high-profile leadership retreat as a Chief of Staff and handling daily emails, showing how to focus only on what matters most and avoid burning out on unnecessary work. She encourages listeners to look for chances to do just enough to succeed, so they can use their time and energy wisely.

Links Mentioned:

• Clarity Call with Emily

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 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:

01:37 The Pitfalls of Overworking
03:03 Strategic Leadership and Efficiency
05:26 Practical Examples and Takeaways

Jordan Burton talks about his work as an executive assessor and trainer, helping companies and investors improve their hiring process from defining roles to interviewing candidates. He explains why it's important to clarify what a business really needs in a new hire, how to run effective interviews, and why panels aren't always the best approach. Real examples include deciding if you need a CFO or just a controller, getting input from different stakeholders, and tips for reaching out to passive candidates through networking.

Links Mentioned:

• Interview Training Resources Website 

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 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:

02:31 Defining the Right Role
08:04 Networking for Top Talent
12:37 Communicating Technical Knowledge
16:57 Approaching Potential Candidates
20:32 Conducting Authentic Interviews
23:18 Effective Interview Conversations
27:23 Panel Interviews: Pros and Cons
32:41 Final Stages and Decision Making
36:19 Behavioral Assessments in Hiring
37:58 Talgo's Approach to Interview Training

Emily Sander talks about the importance of conversations focused on understanding, not always on doing. As a Chief of Staff, you're often in "go mode," but sometimes it's essential to just listen and understand a team member's perspective. She gives tips like changing the conversation's setting or tone to foster better understanding and notes that this skill is key for mediating disagreements and improving team performance.

Links Mentioned:

• Clarity Call with Emily

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 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:

01:02 Effective Communication Strategies for Chiefs of Staff
02:52 Mediating and Facilitating Better Understanding
06:01 Investing in Workplace Relationships

Melissa Yap shares her journey to becoming Chief of Staff at Deloitte, highlighting the shift from client-facing roles to internal strategic leadership. She discusses the challenges of embracing a less visible role and the unique perspective it offers, such as connecting diverse teams and driving strategic initiatives. Melissa explains how her experience in consulting and her proactive approach to connecting with other Chiefs of Staff globally enrich her current role.

Links Mentioned:

• Mel Yap’s LinkedIn Article: Demystifying the Chief of Staff Role

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 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:

00:58 Melissa's Journey to Chief of Staff
02:46 Early Challenges and Personal Growth
07:30 Deloitte's Global Structure
09:53 Connecting with Other Chiefs of Staff
13:55 Operational and Strategic Responsibilities
17:43 Prioritizing Strategic Initiatives
24:50 Writing the LinkedIn Article
28:41 Reflections on the Chief of Staff Role
34:36 Advice for Chiefs of Staff and Principals

Emily shares a story about a Chief of Staff facing resistance from their boss who prioritizes efficiency and speed over detailed planning. The Chief of Staff is encouraged to roll out initiatives that may feel only 60% complete to get things started, with the idea that they can be improved over time. The central lesson is about meeting people halfway and making incremental progress in leadership strategies.

Links Mentioned:

• Clarity Call with Emily

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 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:

00:52 The Push for Efficiency
01:27 Implementing Change Gradually

Richard Charette shares his journey from user experience design to becoming a Chief of Staff at Wells Fargo. He discusses the influence of the McChrystal group's four quadrants model on building trust and evolving into a strategic partner. Richard also highlights the importance of extreme ownership and alignment coaching in developing holistic professional leadership like that of elite warriors.

Links Mentioned:

• Connect with Richard Charette on LinkedIn

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 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:

03:09 Defining the Chief of Staff Role
11:13 Introduction to McChrystal Group
14:44 The Four Quadrants Model
21:47 Building Trust and Patience
25:37 Extreme Ownership
28:12 Service Mindset and Responsibilities
32:30 Holistic Approach to Performance
40:06 Alignment Coaching and Its Importance

Emily Sander answers a listener's question about getting specific feedback in the Chief of Staff role. She suggests asking more focused questions and tailoring the feedback process to fit individual preferences, like providing options for written or verbal feedback. Emily also highlights the importance of building a culture of open feedback through demonstration and modeling.

Links Mentioned:

• Clarity Call with Emily

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 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:

01:52 Initial Feedback and Suggestions
03:10 Specific Feedback Strategies
07:40 Building a Culture of Feedback

Emily Sander hosts Sara Dakin, Senior Coach Network Manager at AceUp, to discuss their coaching platform focused on leadership development using technology and data. They explore the use of 360-degree feedback reports, highlighting strengths and growth areas, with examples of how this has impacted leaders like Sara. They also talk about AceUp's team coaching initiatives and the integration of AI to enhance coaching experiences. Emily has a special connection to AceUp - tune in to hear about it!

Links Mentioned:

• AceUp Website

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 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:

00:00 Introduction to Sara Dakin and AceUp
00:38 Overview of AceUp's Mission and Technology
01:38 Emily's Experience with AceUp
02:45 Introduction to 360 Degree Reports
03:18 Sara's Role and Experience with 360 Reports
04:09 The 360 Degree Process and Data Integration
06:05 Understanding Hidden Strengths and Weaknesses
07:18 Reactions to 360 Feedback
09:13 Addressing Reluctance and Creating a Safe Environment
12:03 Core Competencies in 360 Reports
13:28 Typical Reactions to 360 Feedback
19:40 Building Trust Through 360 Debriefs
22:14 Strengths and Coaching Confidentiality
22:22 Anonymized Feedback for Leadership
23:44 360 Feedback and Women Leaders
25:47 Debrief Reports and Data Insights
29:19 Triad Calls and Manager Involvement
34:11 Setting Up Coaching Programs
34:28 Tailoring Coaching to Client Needs
36:10 Preparing Coachees for Coaching
37:02 Explaining Coaching to New Coachees
39:14 The Value of Coaching Relationships
43:07 Upcoming Innovations at AceUp
44:48 How to Get Started with AceUp

Emily Sander discusses the challenges of navigating office politics, identifying the "games" at play, and deciding if you're willing and able to participate. Examples include dealing with strong personalities or working long hours. She also talks about life changes affecting your willingness to play and shares strategies for shifting your approach over time.

Links Mentioned:

• Clarity Call with Emily

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 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:

01:21 Common Office Politics Games
02:16 Zooming Out: Evaluating the Situation
03:28 Life Stages and Career Choices
06:18 Short-term vs Long-term Commitment