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.

Get in touch with Emily:
Want help building stronger board and executive relationships? Book a clarity call w/ Emily 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:
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

This compilation features conversations with four principals about why they brought on a Chief of Staff, how they built trust in the role, and the impact Chiefs of Staff had on their teams. Examples include Lawrence Coburn hiring a former intern for the role, Nikki Barua making the Chief of Staff her very first hire, and Marcus East describing the Chief of Staff as a force multiplier who connects teams. The episode highlights practical challenges and benefits, such as helping with communication, offering a trusted sounding board, and building strong team dynamics.

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:
00:26 Why This Compilation

01:16 Lawrence Coburn

10:07 Nikki Barua

20:50 Marcus East

27:23 Bethany McAleer

Emily Sander shares why showing up as an unhurried, intentional leader matters more than always hustling. She gives practical tips like taking walks, working out, or even sipping coffee outside to set the right mindset. Chiefs of Staff and executives are encouraged to build daily habits - whether it's meditation, reading, or attending their kids’ soccer games - that help them become the kind of leader others want to follow.

Get in touch with Emily:
Want help creating space to lead more intentionally? Book a clarity call w/ Emily here: https://www.nextlevel.coach/clarity-call

Free Leadership Resources: https://nextlevel.coach/resources

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilysander/

Website: https://nextlevel.coach

Newsletter: https://emilysander.podia.com/newsletter-signup

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 Missing Piece of Presence

02:06 Unhurried Leadership Defined

04:35 Practices That Ground You

05:56 Choose Your Leadership Adjectives

08:04 Focus on Top Priorities

10:03 Know Thyself and Recharge

12:39 Build the Habit and Flip the Script

19:22 Recap and Next Steps