Leveraging Leadership

Bill Shander explains how understanding what stakeholders really need leads to better results at work, especially for roles like Chief of Staff. He shares stories about clients asking for things like blue buttons or “ballets of data,” and how asking smart questions gets everyone on the same page. The episode covers common mistakes people make when jumping too quickly into requests and why techniques like the Socratic method work for clarifying goals.

Links Mentioned:
Bill Shander’s Website

Connect with Bill Shander on LinkedIn

Bill Shander’s Book: Stakeholder Whispering

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

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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:
01:33 The Evolution of Data Storytelling

03:15 The Inspiration Behind 'Stakeholder Whispering'

05:12 Understanding Stakeholder Dynamics

16:58 The Power of Divergent and Convergent Questions

18:49 Common Mistakes in Stakeholder Whispering

21:27 Tactical Approaches to Clarifying and Pushing Back

28:00 The Dynamics of Hierarchy and Influence

Emily Sander explains why bringing “half baked” work to your boss - especially when you're new in a Chief of Staff role - can save time, spark valuable conversations, and help you calibrate quickly to your boss’s preferences. She gives real examples, like saving hours by checking in early, learning what your boss fixates on, and understanding the order they want detailed information presented. The episode encourages trying iterative updates instead of holding out for perfection.

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to calibrate faster with your principal? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

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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:
00:25 The Half-Baked Idea: Why It's Beneficial

02:30 The Importance of Calibration Sessions

06:36 Understanding Your Boss's Fixations

10:43 Iterative Processes for Long-Term Success

11:12 Encouragement and Conclusion

12:29 Sponsor Message: Next Level Coaching

Chris Blauvelt shares his journey as a multi-time entrepreneur, how he hired his first Chief of Staff after learning about the role from House of Cards and leadership books, and why setting top three priorities every quarter changed his effectiveness as a CEO. He explains how his Chief of Staff tackled big challenges like product innovation, people operations, and compliance, even without previous experience in those areas. Chris also discusses bringing on a second Chief of Staff with a more technical background to focus on launching a new payments company.

Links Mentioned:
Chris’s mission-driven crowdfunding company

Chris Blauvelt’s Twitter/X handle

Connect with Chris Blauvelt on LinkedIn

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

Free Leadership Resources

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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:
01:20 Chris Vet's Journey and Achievements

03:26 The Role and Impact of a Chief of Staff

06:40 Hiring and Integrating a Chief of Staff

16:48 Taking Ownership and Delegation

18:23 Onboarding and Establishing Cadence

20:41 Hiring a New Chief of Staff

29:43 Mission and Vision of Launchgood

This episode lays out the difference between judgment and assessment at work, especially for leaders like the Chief of Staff. Emily shares real examples, from firing and hiring decisions to handling challenging team meeting behavior, showing how you can assess actions without judging someone's character. She explains how focusing on observable facts and assessments helps avoid negative assumptions, makes decisions easier, and benefits the whole team.

Get in touch with Emily:
Need help turning judgment into clear assessments? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

Free Leadership Resources

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Newsletter

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:
00:25 Judgment vs. Assessment: Key Distinctions

03:14 Real-Life Examples of Judgment and Assessment

05:47 Observation vs. Assumption in Team Dynamics

09:24 Making Effective Leadership Decisions

13:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Andrew Davies shares how his theater and improv background helps teams run better meetings and build trust. He explains practical improv games like “Breaking News” and “Speech” that boost listening and support. Andrew also talks about tailoring these activities for different teams and making meetings more engaging, interactive, and productive.

Links Mentioned:
Andrew Davies’ Organization

Reach out to Andrew via email

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

Free Leadership Resources

LinkedIn

Website

Newsletter

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:
02:30 Defining Improv and Its Impact

05:09 Improv in the Business World

07:56 Games to Enhance Team Collaboration

12:59 Building a Supportive Team Culture

18:25 The Essence of Improv: Collaboration Over Comedy

19:43 Improv for Introverts and Tech Teams

22:10 Improv and Perfectionism

24:58 The Benefits of Practicing Improv

27:30 The ABCs of Effective Meetings

29:07 The Importance of Movement and Engagement

31:18 Iterative Changes and Practical Applications

Emily Sander explains how to set up systems that make it easier to stick to New Year's goals, like laying out workout clothes by the door or using food tracking apps with preloaded meals. She shares personal examples, including her efforts to improve sleep by using an OURA ring and building an evening routine, and gives tips on matching goal-setting approaches to your personality and the type of goal. The focus is on making the process work for you, so healthy habits and results come naturally.

Get in touch with Emily:
Want help building systems that actually support your goals? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

Free Leadership Resources

LinkedIn

Website

Newsletter

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:
00:29 Building a System for Success

01:06 Knowing Yourself and Your Goals

03:00 Tactical Tips for Weight Loss

04:37 Tracking Progress and Adjusting Systems

07:19 Personal Example: Improving Sleep

13:58 Conclusion: Designing Systems for Inevitable Success

Jared Stein shares his unconventional path from running CrossFit and Orange Theory gyms to becoming a Chief of Staff at a virtual investment firm. He talks about managing operations, streamlining team roles, and implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Jared also discusses how his firm helps clients with a deep financial “X-ray” to spot hidden overlaps in their investment portfolios.

Links Mentioned:

Company Website

Email Jared Stein

​​Get in touch with Emily:

Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

Free Leadership Resources

LinkedIn

Website

Newsletter

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:

00:36 Jared's Unconventional Path to Chief of Staff

02:38 Challenges and Transitions During COVID

04:02 The Chief of Staff Opportunity

07:13 Interview Process and Personal Milestones

08:29 Joining Poterack Capital

15:46 Virtual Operations and Team Dynamics

18:12 Client Onboarding and Financial X-Ray

20:22 Understanding the Client Process

24:41 Implementing Organizational Discipline

26:45 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

32:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Emily Sander explains the "wheel of life" exercise, a tool to review different areas like career, relationships, community, hobbies, and physical or spiritual life. She gives examples of focusing on being a better parent, manager, or entrepreneur, and suggests honestly assessing where you're doing well and where you could improve. The episode encourages setting practical New Year's goals based on current priorities and where your energy is best spent.

Get in touch with Emily:
Want help assessing where you’re thriving and where to focus next? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here.

Free Leadership Resources

LinkedIn

Website

Newsletter

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:

00:31 Understanding the Wheel of Life

01:26 Identifying Your Stakeholders

02:08 Self-Assessment and Goal Setting

03:09 Practical Steps to Improve

04:47 Balancing Different Life Areas

06:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Nicholas Richard-Thompson shares his journey from creative intern to Deputy Chief of Staff for Aurora, Illinois, discussing the importance of building relationships, working with nonprofits, and navigating local government. He gives examples like coordinating lead line water replacement and partnering with organizations during COVID. The episode covers team structure, community advocacy, and practical tips for getting involved in local government.

Links Mentioned:
Here are several nonprofit organizations that Nicholas Richard-Thompson is involved with or supports:

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley
Aurora Food Pantry
Young Invincibles
INDIVISIBLE AURORA (Aurora Mutual Aid)

Get in touch with Emily:
Want to chat with Emily? Book a quick clarity call here.

Free Leadership Resources

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Website
Newsletter
 
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:
01:43 Nick's Background and Career Path
04:27 Transition to Municipal Government
06:10 Community Engagement and Nonprofit Work
13:30 Role and Structure of the Mayor's Office
22:52 The Role of Lobbyists in Municipal Government
25:13 Local Advocacy and Community Impact
30:34 Nonprofit Collaboration with Municipal Government
36:30 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff and Engaged Citizens
44:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

This episode talks about how to set New Year's goals by comparing specific targets like losing 15 pounds by June 1st with broader intentions such as choosing a word for the year like "hello" or "lightness." Emily Sander shares how different people stick with goals and emphasizes picking what actually works for you, whether that's a SMART goal or a flexible intention. She also mentions using reminders, like putting a sales commission number on your mirror, and encourages everyone to be open to changing their goal-setting methods over time.

Get in touch with Emily:
Ready to set goals that work for you this year? Book a quick clarity call here.

Free Leadership Resources

LinkedIn

Website

Newsletter

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:
01:19 Specific Goals vs. General Intentions

02:23 SMART Goals Explained

04:52 Finding What Works for You

05:43 Flexibility in Goal Setting