Leveraging Leadership

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 :) 

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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

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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.

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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

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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!

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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

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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.

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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

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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

Got a CEO who's uncharacteristically delaying an important decision that people are waiting on? One possible reason is fear. Emily discusses the critical role of the COS in pushing through this roadblock, including bringing it to their attention (hint: they might not even know it’s a thing), along with practical questions and talk tracks to move them into forward action and next steps.

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Timestamps

01:46 Bringing the Decision to the CEO's Attention

02:18 Strategies to Initiate the Conversation

04:22 Interpreting the CEO's Response

05:45 Further Probing and Providing Your Opinion

08:14 Understanding the Human Side of Leadership

09:06 Your Role as Chief of Staff

10:04 Conclusion and Call to Action

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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 us on Leveraging Leadership with former monk Madhu Dasa as he shares his journey from spiritual seeker to business coaching success. Discover how bhakti yoga's disciplines translate into leadership excellence. In this episode, Madhu discusses the power of understanding personal gifts, creating a balanced lifestyle, and finding joy in meditation. Explore themes of mindfulness, self-discovery, and resilience as we discuss blending ancient wisdom with modern productivity hacks. We also delve into understanding your 'big why' and the importance of committing to a schedule. Madhu shares his wisdom on building micro-habits and the benefits of meditation for busy professionals.

Connect with Madhu on LinkedIn

Visit Madhu.life Website

Guest Bio

Former monk Madhu Dasa, now a successful online business coach, blends ancient spiritual wisdom with modern entrepreneurial strategies. His journey from a disciplined monk's life in India to a dynamic business coach has established him as an authority in mindful leadership. Rooted in bhakti yoga practices, Madhu helps professionals tap into their inner wisdom to succeed in the corporate world. His teachings promote a balanced lifestyle, emphasizing mindfulness, meditation, and self-care. He shares his knowledge to inspire others to unlock their potential and introduce a serene touchstone in daily life.

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Timestamps

00:51 Guest Introduction: Madhu's Journey from Monk to Entrepreneur

01:09 Exploring Madhu's Monk Training and Philosophy

04:57 Applying Monk Principles to Business Leadership

05:31 Identifying and Leveraging Your Unique Gifts

13:53 The Importance of Mindfulness in Business

15:18 Practical Steps to Implement Mindfulness and Clarity

18:07 The Monk Mindset Method for Success

19:12 Committing to Regular Behaviors for Success

19:30 Creating an Ideal Schedule

19:55 Overcoming Obstacles and Staying Consistent

20:02 Embracing Change for Different Outcomes

20:23 Exploring Meditation and Its Varieties

20:37 Personal Meditation Experiences and Techniques

21:51 Approaching Meditation as a Busy Professional

22:01 The Power of One-on-One Coaching

22:16 Understanding Different Types of Meditation

23:52 The Importance of Starting Small in Meditation

30:10 Benefits of Meditation and Achieving Alignment

34:06 Implementing Meditation in Daily Life

35:56 Accessing Free Meditation Resources

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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 coac

What to do when interviewing for a Chief of Staff role and the CEO responds with "I don't know" to key questions about the role's responsibilities and structure. Emily outlines two potential scenarios and outlines how to navigate each situation. Emily also shares ongoing takeaways that every COS should remember. 

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Timestamps

00:50 Two Scenarios of CEO's Response

04:15 How to Interpret 'I Don't Know' from a CEO

05:34 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

08:08 Continuing the Conversation about Your Role

09:28 Conclusion and Next Steps

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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, host Emily Sander, a former Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach, sits down with Natalie Crohn, who has served as Chief of Staff at two different organizations. The pair share their experiences in the role, with topics from authenticity and networking to the handling of day-to-day challenges and strategic planning, there's plenty of insight to take away. Also, don't miss Natalie's unique Chief of Staff-themed cocktail recommendation. Hit subscribe to continue your leadership journey with us.

Natalie Crohn on LinkedIn

Natalie Crohn has expertly navigated a diverse professional journey, from social work to IT consulting, and ultimately, into a strategic Chief of Staff role. She initially started in healthcare, transitioned into IT consulting, and circled back to healthcare, gaining diverse expertise. Natalie discovered her passion for strategic management at Catalent, a biopharmaceutical company, and later expanded her skills as the Chief of Staff at Magellan Health and currently, Johns Hopkins Health. Alongside her career, Natalie actively champions organizational culture, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Deemed an authentic leader, Natalie is always eager to learn, develop, and serve others.

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Timestamps

00:57 Guest Introduction: Natalie Cron

01:27 Natalie's Journey to Chief of Staff

05:28 Transitioning Between Chief of Staff Roles

09:46 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership

11:59 The Role of Coaching Fridays in Leadership Development

17:26 The Importance of Authenticity in the Workplace

24:12 Advice for New Chiefs of Staff

28:08 Tools for Staying Organized as a Chief of Staff

32:09 The Chief of Staff Cocktail: A Fun Analogy

33:21 Final Thoughts

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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

Curious about the responsibilities of a Chief of Staff? Emily shares five specific duties in business she handled in her role. From spearheading the recruitment of key executives to revamping marketing strategies and ensuring the CEO's well-being, these examples offer a glimpse into the daily life of a Chief of Staff. Use them to assess whether this role aligns with your own responsibilities, share them with those wondering about the Chief of Staff's duties, or gain valuable insights into the diverse activities this position involves.

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Timestamps

01:03 Exploring the Daily Tasks of a Chief of Staff

02:00 Recruiting and Training Key Hires

04:51 The Importance of Flash Reports

08:09 Gap Filling: A Key Responsibility of a Chief of Staff

10:06 Revamping Corporate Marketing

12:58 Maintaining CEO Sanity: A Crucial Role of a Chief of Staff

17:41 Takeaways

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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 Leveraging Leadership, Emily Sander interviews Ed Sullivan, Marine Chief of Staff. Ed shares 30 years in the Marines, covering his journey from ROTC cadet to Colonel. The conversation explores proxy roles, leadership challenges, the significance of trust and communication, and high-stakes decisions. They discuss evolving military strategies, personal leadership styles influenced by observation and philosophy, and the discipline required for effective military leadership. Ed's insights provide a behind-the-scenes look at military command roles and highlight the importance of camaraderie in leadership.

Plus, both Ed and Emily have Meditations by Marcus Aurelias on their bookshelves as a must-read!

Ed Sullivan on LinkedIn

Book Reference: Meditations by Marcus Aurelias

Ed’s Bio

Ed Sullivan is a retired Marine Chief of Staff with over 30 years of distinguished service. His career began as an ROTC cadet and evolved into various leadership roles, including a foreign area officer and an attache to the Sultan of Oman. Ed's tenure included critical positions in intelligence and information systems for the U.S. Special Operations Command and oversight of Marine Corps recruiting and training operations. His expertise encompasses international diplomacy, strategic decision-making, and a deep commitment to the values and camaraderie of the Marine Corps. Ed's leadership journey reflects a profound dedication to service and excellence.

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Timestamps

00:51 Guest Introduction: Ed, the Military Chief of Staff

01:27 Ed's Journey in the Marines

07:07 Ed's Experience as a Marine Corps Foreign Area Officer

08:42 Ed's Transition to Chief of Staff

11:37 Ed's Role as Chief of Staff at Marine Corps Recruit Depot

20:28 Understanding the Role of Chief of Staff in a Military Context

26:44 Building Trust and Communication within the Team

29:36 Decision-Making in Military Leadership

32:33 Managing Staff and Operations

39:33 The Challenges and Solutions in Organizing Family Day

43:05 The Evolution of Military Leadership

49:54 The Power of Stoic Philosophy in Leadership

51:38 Final Thoughts

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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