Emily Sander answers a listener question from Sarah in Charlotte, a Chief of Staff handling board governance, leadership meetings, and benefits rollout. The episode covers how to build strategic relationships with the board, use back channels professionally, and avoid being seen only as admin support while keeping the founder focused and the team aligned. Real examples include collaborating with consultants and prepping the chairman for meetings.

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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 Listener Question Setup

01:20 Sarah’s Challenge

03:00 Leverage Board Access

05:20 Build Allies and Backchannels

08:03 Talk Strategy Not Admin

10:30 Coach the Board on Focus

13:15 When Founders Spiral

16:07 Create More Board Touchpoints

17:48 Wrap Up and Next Steps