Founder and CEO of Ask a Chief of Staff, Clara Ma joins Mark to talk about the moment she walked away from a fast-paced startup career—and accidentally started a thriving business. This episode is about burnout, sabbaticals, second chances, and building with intention.

We cover:

• (00:50) Clara’s burnout while working at OnDeck

• (08:30) The Cayman Islands trip that changed everything

• (14:15) How quitting without a plan became a superpower

• (21:10) Her “Tapas for One” moment in Spain—and what it taught her

• (30:45) Launching Ask a Chief of Staff without knowing it

• (37:00) What balance really looks like—and how she protects it

Whether you’re a founder, a chief of staff, or just wondering what else might be possible, Clara’s story is a reminder: your life is now.

👉 Learn more or suggest a guest at markjosephson.net