Summary

In this episode of the Build By People podcast, Maddy Niebauer shares her unexpected career journey from the Peace Corps to founding V-Chief, a company that provides fractional chief of staff services. She discusses her current priorities for the business, innovative initiatives like a pro bono program, and the challenges of employee communication in a virtual environment. Maddy emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and offers advice on delegating tasks to avoid burnout.

Takeaways

• Maddy's career began in the Peace Corps, leading to unexpected paths.
• V-Chief was launched to meet the needs of part-time chief of staff roles.
• The company has grown significantly, especially during COVID-19.
• Maddy prioritizes brand awareness and networking for business growth.
• She emphasizes the importance of listening to customer needs.
• A pro bono program supports small organizations making social impact.
• Employee communication is challenging in a virtual setting.
• Zoho is essential for operations, including CRM and applicant tracking.
• AI is utilized for innovative solutions in sales and operations.
• Maddy advises against hustle culture and promotes work-life balance.