In this episode of "Leveraging Leadership," Lenka Pincot, Chief of Staff at PMI, discusses her role in leading the office of the CEO and overseeing five enterprise teams, including transformation management. She emphasizes the need for structure, rigorous prioritization, and agility, explaining how her team handles day-to-day tasks while she focuses on strategic decisions. Lenka also highlights the importance of business awareness and working closely with a great CEO to be a successful Chief of Staff.

Links Mentioned:

• PMI Project Management Institute
• Information on PMI certifications and resources
• Information on PMI chapters
• Connect with Lenka Pincot on LinkedIn
• Clarity Call with Emily

Free Resources:

• Strategic Planning Checklist
• Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist
• A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff
• Chief of Staff Toolkit

Get in touch with Emily:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow on YouTube
• Learn more about coaching
• Sign up for the newsletter
• Clarity Call with Emily

Who Am I?
If we haven’t yet 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:
00:58 Lenka's Journey to Chief of Staff
02:58 Understanding PMI
04:54 Role and Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff
06:14 Managing Five Enterprise Teams
08:12 Building Effective Systems and Structures
12:59 Prioritization and Re-Prioritization
18:51 Team Coordination and Flexibility
20:11 Empowering Self-Sufficient Teams
22:24 Strategic Investment Decisions
22:41 Data-Driven Strategy and Investment
28:09 Project Management Skills Development
31:01 Reflections on the Chief of Staff Role

This episode explains why the definition of Chief of Staff is all over the place due to the role's relative newness in business. Examples from around the world illustrate how the role varies: in Singapore, it's little known; in Mexico, it's often confused with HR; and in Germany, it has military connotations. Emily suggests the role will become more structured and better understood in the next 10-15 years.

Links Mentioned:

• Clarity Call with Emily

Free Resources:

• Strategic Planning Checklist
• Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist
• A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff
• Chief of Staff Toolkit

Get in touch with Emily:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow on YouTube
• Learn more about coaching
• Sign up for the newsletter
• Clarity Call with Emily

Who Am I?
If we haven’t yet 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:
00:30 Most Common Question About Chiefs of Staff
01:04 The Emerging Role of Chief of Staff
01:43 Global Perspectives on Chief of Staff
02:12 Challenges and Misconceptions
03:31 Regional Variations and Examples
04:01 Chiefs of Staff in Multinational Corporations
05:33 Higher Education and Nonprofits
08:33 The Future of the Chief of Staff Role

Greg Williams, Chief of Staff at Western Computer, talks about helping companies, like those supplying Walmart, navigate supply chain challenges during COVID-19. He sheds light on the importance of ERP systems for growing businesses and offers advice on vendor selection and tech modernization. Greg also discusses trends in bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. and how private equity firms work with his company to upgrade systems post-acquisition.

Links Mentioned:

• Western Computer's Website
• Connect with Greg Williams on LinkedIn
• Clarity Call with Emily

Free Resources:

• Strategic Planning Checklist
• Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist
• A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff
• Chief of Staff Toolkit

Get in touch with Emily:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow on YouTube
• Learn more about coaching
• Sign up for the newsletter
• Clarity Call with Emily

Who Am I?
If we haven’t yet 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 Meet Greg Williams: Supply Chain Expert
01:57 Partnership with Microsoft
03:25 Understanding ERP Systems
04:15 Choosing the Right ERP Solution
07:16 Benefits of ERP Systems
12:27 Vendor Selection and Risk Mitigation
18:37 Supply Chain Challenges and Future Trends
28:42 Connecting with Greg and Western Computer

Emily explains three key ways to use a Chief of Staff effectively. First, principals need to identify their needs, like lifting out of daily tasks for fundraising or strategic focus. Second, teams may need help in areas like marketing expertise or mediating executive conflicts. Third, companies should consider both immediate needs and long-term goals, identifying gaps or game-changing talents the Chief of Staff can address.

Links Mentioned:

• Clarity Call with Emily

Free Resources:

• Strategic Planning Checklist
• Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist
• A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff
• Chief of Staff Toolkit

Get in touch with Emily:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow on YouTube
• Learn more about coaching
• Sign up for the newsletter
• Clarity Call with Emily

Who Am I?
If we haven’t yet 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:
00:32 Identifying Principal Needs
01:52 Supporting the Executive Team
04:06 Addressing Company Needs
05:03 Maximizing the Chief of Staff Role

Larissa Licha, a former tattoo artist turned tech leader, shares her journey from Google Ads customer support to Chief of Staff roles with various tech executives. She explains how she founded Joyn to help Chiefs of Staff manage overwhelming work tools, integrating systems like Slack and Notion into one central place. Larissa also discusses the importance of building trust and clear roles within the organization to foster effective collaboration.

Links Mentioned:

• Joyn's Website
• Clarity Call with Emily

Free Resources:

• Strategic Planning Checklist
• Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist
• A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff
• Chief of Staff Toolkit

Get in touch with Emily:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow on YouTube
• Learn more about coaching
• Sign up for the newsletter
• Clarity Call with Emily

Who Am I?
If we haven’t yet 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:
00:37 Meet Larissa Licha: From Tattoo Artist to CEO Tech Leader
01:29 The Journey to Chief of Staff
05:06 Navigating Different Leadership Styles
09:51 Building Trust in a Remote Environment
10:59 Introducing New Executives to the Team
16:18 Advice for Chiefs of Staff and CEOs
19:43 Solving Chief of Staff Challenges with Joyn
22:11 How Joyn Works

If you're considering bringing on a Chief of Staff or just need someone to explain the basics, this episode lays the groundwork and levels-set the foundation for future discussions on the role.

A Chief of Staff works closely with the CEO, helping with company strategy, gap-filling key roles, and ensuring executive team cohesion. They can set up effective meeting structures, help onboard new executives, and even turn around toxic cultures. Key examples include managing strategic planning, coordinating board governance, and running critical projects during crises like COVID.

Links Mentioned:

• Clarity Call with Emily

Free Resources:

• Strategic Planning Checklist
• Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist
• A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff
• Chief of Staff Toolkit

Get in touch with Emily:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow on YouTube
• Learn more about coaching
• Sign up for the newsletter
• Clarity Call with Emily

Who Am I?
If we haven’t yet 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:
00:31 Defining the Chief of Staff Role
01:11 The Chief of Staff's Strategic Importance
02:09 Key Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff
05:07 Chief of Staff in Action: Real-World Examples
05:47 Strategic Planning and Meeting Structures
12:31 Board Governance and Executive Integration
18:22 Gap Filling and Recruitment
21:49 Cultural Transformation and Crisis Management
29:05 Conclusion and Contact Information

Emily talks with Dela Quist about increasing email marketing engagement by varying subject lines and sending more frequent emails. Emily shares a story about a persistent salesperson to highlight the importance of staying top of mind. They also discuss Dela's extensive background in the industry and his views on open rates and effective email strategies.

Links Mentioned:

• Connect with Dela Quist on LinkedIn
• Dela Quist's Website
• Clarity Call with Emily

Free Resources:

• Strategic Planning Checklist
• Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist
• A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff
• Chief of Staff Toolkit

Get in touch with Emily:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow on YouTube
• Learn more about coaching
• Sign up for the newsletter
• Clarity Call with Emily

Who Am I?
If we haven’t yet 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:
00:33 Meet Dela Quist: Email Marketing Authority
02:14 The Evolution of Email Marketing
05:08 Batch and Blast vs. Personalized Emails
06:59 The Power of Brand Impressions
09:44 Overcoming Email Marketing Misconceptions
12:11 The Economics of Email Marketing
13:05 Smart Email Strategies: “Do Be Smart”
18:31 Understanding Consumer Preferences
20:40 Content vs. Offers in Email Marketing
22:15 The Power of Email Subject Lines
34:09 Engaging the Unengaged

Emily explains three types of executive transitions: planned, sudden, and founder transitions. She discusses challenges like resistance to change, knowledge gaps, and cultural fit, and offers tools such as transition teams and clear job descriptions. Two examples provided include a nonprofit's executive director change and a tech startup's rapid CEO replacement.

Links Mentioned:

• Choosing the Right Coach for Your Career Transition Blog
• Leveraging Leadership Episode 67
• Clarity Call with Emily

Free Resources:

• Strategic Planning Checklist
• Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist
• A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff
• Chief of Staff Toolkit

Get in touch with Emily:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow on YouTube
• Learn more about coaching
• Sign up for the newsletter
• Clarity Call with Emily

Who Am I?
If we haven’t yet 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 3 Kinds of Transitions: Planned, Sudden, Founder
01:37 Opportunities for Organizational Realignment
02:41 Challenges in Executive Transitions
05:34 Tools for Managing Transitions
09:21 Supporting Departing Leaders
10:24 Real-World Examples of Transitions