Leveraging Leadership

Are you ready to be a great leader and get more done?

Join Emily as she breaks down the key points of the book Essentialism by Greg McKeown. One of her top books for leaders. In the episode, learn the “way of the essentialist”, focusing on what really matters, how to decide on what opportunities to pursue (and which to pass on), what it means to “protect the asset,” and the story of Herbie The Hiker. 

This episode is perfect for people who want to learn how to make smart choices and be more productive.

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Timestamps

01:29 Essentialism: Living by Design, Not Default

02:03 The Concept of Non-Essentialist vs Essentialist

04:04 Protecting the Asset: You

06:09 Evaluating Opportunities: The Minimum and Extreme Criteria

08:54 The Art of Decision Making: Cutting or Killing

09:53 The Story of Herbie the Hiker: Identifying and Overcoming Obstacles

11:48 The Power of Concentrated Energy: The Lamp vs The Laser Beam

13:37 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 this episode, Emily and Maggie, both Seattle natives and UW alumni, go into Maggie's role as a Chief of Staff at T-Mobile for Business. Maggie shares insights into her responsibilities, from filling gaps in back-office functions to building a Chief of Staff team. The conversation emphasizes the importance of asking for help and leveraging resources. Maggie discusses her transition from Chief of Staff to founding Nova Chief of Staff, offering a certification course for aspiring and current Chiefs of Staff.

Plus hear their sidebar tangent on Nordstrom personal shoppers!

How much does a Chief of Staff make? 

On average $144,121.

But the salary range varies. 

Deep dive into the factors that go into a Chief of Staff’s overall compensation. Rahul Desai, the General Manager of COS Network, joins the show and walks through the latest annual COS Network’s Compensation Report.

The report breaks down:

-       Average Salary by Chief of Staff Level (1-5)

-       Average Salary by Company Size

-       Average Salary by Education

-       Average Salary by Gender

-       Average Salary by Geographic Region

-       Percentage of Compensation by Base Salary vs. Bonus

-       What Roles former Chiefs of Staff are currently in

-       and more…

If you are considering a Chief of Staff role, interviewing for one, or looking for a raise, don’t miss out on this episode!

The information presented in the Compensation Report equips you with empirical data to build a well-informed case for your career progression.

Rahul Desai on LinkedIn

Chief of Staff Network Website

Chief of Staff Network Salary Report

Chief of Staff Network Pathways Report

Chief of Staff Network Job Board

Rahul Desai is a former Chief of Staff turned entrepreneur and General Manager of the Chief of Staff Network. With a wealth of experience in the corporate sector, he has co-founded several companies, applying his strategic expertise to drive business success. At the Chief of Staff Network, Rahul spearheads initiatives that provide vital support to corporate Chiefs of Staff worldwide through resources such as peer networking, coaching, and professional development. His insights into the evolution of the role make him a leading authority on the dynamics of corporate leadership and the empowerment of Chiefs of Staff.

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01:43 Exploring the Chief of Staff Network

07:14 The Role of Chief of Staff in Different Regions

10:17 Chief of Staff Salary Report

12:01 Understanding the Factors Affecting Chief of Staff Salary

20:48 The Impact of Company Size

Ever found yourself in a situation where you're asked a question, everyone is looking at you, and you don’t know the answer? Newsflash: this scenario is bound to happen as a Chief of Staff. It doesn't mean you're bad at your job if you don't know; it’s important to be ready and prepared. These moments are a great opportunity of learning for you and the team. Master the art of responding in these types of situations for yourself and your team.

Discover some practical and tactical tips for what to actually say in these moments.

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01:01 The Power of 'I Don't Know'

02:02 Handling 'I Don't Know' Moments

02:59 The Role of Chief of Staff in 'I Don't Know' Moments

05:38 Resourcefulness in Finding Answers

07:42 Real-Life Example of Resourcefulness

10:34 Understanding What You Need to Know

13:07 Takeaway

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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

Leveraging Leadership welcomes guest Leslie Lulham, Chief of Staff at MarketerHire (the leading network of pre-vetted, freelance marketers). She talks about starting at smaller companies, the impact of titles on perception, and effectively juggling diverse roles to excel as a Chief of Staff. Leslie shares the impact of career coaching and mentorship to overcome imposter syndrome, improve executive communication, and effectively manage various roles within the company. Bonus: Find out which NFL player is like a Chief of Staff! 

Reach out to Leslie Lulham:

Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn

Check out MarketerHire

Leslie is a seasoned professional in the tech industry with a dynamic career spanning from live television to mobile gaming and broadcast operations. Currently working at Marketer Hire, she leverages her vast experience to guide start-ups through growth and shares her strategies for tech navigation, project management, and executive communication.

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00:51 Guest Introduction: Leslie's Journey into Tech

01:03 Leslie's Career Path and Transition into Tech

03:06 Leslie's Experience in Project Management

05:55 Leslie's Career Shift and Life Mottos

06:53 Introduction to Marketer Hire

09:14 Leslie's Role as Chief of Staff at Marketer Hire

14:50 The Evolution of Leslie's Role at Marketer Hire

20:26 Working Styles and Relationship with the Principal

23:15 Effective Communication with Principals

23:47 Adapting to Asynchronous Work

24:52 The Power of Bullet Points

25:18 Building Leadership Presence

25:44 Overcoming Intimidation and Imposter Syndrome

28:53 The Importance of Preparation and Authenticity

33:11 The Impact of Titles and Perceptions

38:28 The Role of a Chief of Staff in Sports

40:24 Wrapping Up the Conversation

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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, Emily is joined by her former colleague and COO, Alex Papadopulos. They explore the dynamics of the two roles, the similarities and differences, and frequent communication and maintaining a unified executive team. They share stories from their time working together, reminiscing about good times, fun moments, and challenging times like COVID-19.               

Alex on LinkedIn  

Alex Papadopulos, originally from South Africa, relocated to the U.S for work in 2007 and has built a thriving career in the tech industry. Starting as a developer, he ascended the ranks, becoming Technical Project Manager and Engineering Lead before transitioning into operations. Alex joined fusionZONE in 2018, initially as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). His role expanded to Chief Operating Officer (COO) 18 months later, overseeing the technical and operational aspects of the company. He played a significant role in re-structuring teams and fostering an environment that promotes growth and productivity. His leadership style blends  his technical expertise and operational acumen, making significant contributions to the organization.

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00:55 Guest Introduction: Alex Papadopoulos

01:28 Understanding the Role of Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer

01:48 Alex's Journey to Fusion Zone

04:30 The Evolution of Roles within the Company

14:15 The Importance of Strategic Prioritization

15:10 The Impact of PBS Sessions

17:55 Understanding the Role of a Chief of Staff

19:39 The Importance of Communication in Leadership

20:12 Comparing Traditional and Non-Traditional Organizational Structures

22:16 The Dynamic Relationship Between Executives and Chiefs of Staff

30:33 Navigating Through Crisis: The COVID-19 Experience

33:48 The Interplay Between the Chief of Staff and the CEO

36:24 Reflecting on the Relationship Between the COO and the Chief of Staff

39:03 Closing Remarks and Appreciation

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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

Host and Leadership Coach, Emily Sander, covers two ways to make your boss's life: be proactive (not passive) and present solutions (not just questions). Tune in for some tips on how to communicate effectively!

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01:09 Making Your CEO's Life Easier

02:11 Being Proactive as a Chief of Staff

03:05 Avoiding Overwhelming Your CEO with Questions

06:23 Applying Judgment in Different Situations

07:37 Choosing the Right Time and Place for Discussions

08:27 Adapting to Different Phases of a Project

10:18 When to Ask Your CEO

12:02 Managing Expectations with Your Team

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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

Anna Riabokon shares her journey from law school in Ukraine to Chief of Staff at Tokensoft. She gives advice on managing internal communications with legal teams, understanding compliance in the fintech market, and tips for those aspiring to take on a Chief of Staff role.

Anna Riabokon on LinkedIn

Tokensoft Website

Anna Riabokon is a highly skilled professional with a diverse background in law and business. Fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, and English, she studied law, and later pursued her dream of studying business in California. As Chief of Staff at Tokensoft, a fintech company focused on compliance in the cryptocurrency space, Anna brings her legal expertise to ensure regulatory adherence. Her proactive approach, natural leadership skills, and ability to navigate complex legal matters make her a valuable asset to the company. In her spare time, Anna enjoys exploring languages and cultures and making a positive impact through her work.

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00:52 Guest Introduction: Anna

01:06 Anna's Multilingual Skills

02:52 Anna's Journey to Law

04:47 Transition from Law to Tech

07:29 Anna's Role as Chief of Staff

07:47 Legal Aspects of Chief of Staff Role

16:49 Working with Finance

18:37 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

26:09 Conclusion and Wrap-up

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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 talks with Marc Bodner about the key aspects of the Chief of Staff role in an organization. Marc shares his personal experiences and views on how the role can be instrumental in a leadership team, how it represents a leadership philosophy, and how to effectively serve those around you. They also include insights on working with other members of the executive team, advice for someone looking to hire a Chief of Staff, and the importance of adaptability in this role.

Reach out to Marc Bodner:

Connect with Marc Bodner on LinkedIn

Marc Bodner, a seasoned executive, and versatile expert, has exhibited strong proficiency across various sectors in the business industry. Marc's strong strategic capabilities, goal-setting, and operational improvements have shaped his career. His resilient knack for managing people as per their work styles and fostering a harmonious work atmosphere contributes to his successful leadership. Marc’s portfolio boasts key roles across venture capital funds, startups, and business development. Not to mention, his practical experience in the legal, telecom, and tax consulting domains complements his dynamic leadership style in today's ever-changing business landscape.

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00:06 Introduction to Leveraging Leadership

00:15 Understanding the Role of Chief of Staff

00:53 Guest Introduction and Background

01:12 Insights into Business Development and Deal Making

03:46 Transition from Law to Venture Capital

08:15 Challenges and Rewards of the Chief of Staff Role

10:42 Building a Strong and Diverse Team

16:07 The Importance of Employee Satisfaction and Retention

24:58 Adapting Management Styles for Effective Leadership

29:08 The Role of a Chief of Staff in a Startup

32:23 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

35:12 The Value of Mentorship and Giving Back

37:30 Conclusion and 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

In this episode, we dive into the practical considerations of where the Chief of Staff fits into an organization. Host, Emily Sander, walks through four common examples, providing insights into different placement scenarios. The first example explores the Chief of Staff as part of the C-suite executive team, a structure often seen in various organizations. The second example addresses large companies with multiple Chiefs of Staff supporting different executives and functions. The third scenario discusses instances where a Chief of Staff is brought in at a VP level, with potential reasons and benefits. The final example explores the possibility of a Chief of Staff holding a dual role, combining responsibilities like business development or product management. The episode wraps up with practical takeaways for evaluating the current and future placement of a Chief of Staff within an organization.

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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.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: LinkedIn | YouTube