Emily Sander talks with Lindsey Gardner, a multi-time Chief of Staff and co-founder of Sapphire Chief of Staff, about balancing people and business priorities. Lindsey Gardner shares lessons from working with the same CEO for a decade, why she always puts people first, and how clear communication builds trust. She also explains Sapphire’s approach to Chief of Staff recruiting and development and discusses how AI should be seen as a tool—not a replacement for humans.

Links Mentioned:
Sapphire Chief of Staff Website

Connect with Lindsey Gardner on LinkedIn

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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:
02:00 Selling the Chief of Staff Role

04:08 A Decade With One CEO

10:05 People First vs Numbers

13:45 Kindness vs Niceness

17:46 AI and Company Stage

21:45 Hard Tradeoffs in Practice

28:38 Sapphire Chief of Staff Wrap