Leveraging Leadership

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Podcast by Emily Sander

Leveraging Leadership

Are you looking to become a better leader? Do you want to learn the ins and outs of business leadership? If so, you're in the right place! Introducing the Leveraging Leadership Podcast, a show that unpacks the art of business leadership. Hosted by Emily Sander, a C-suite executive turned leadership coach, this podcast gives you access to the best tools and strategies to enhance your leadership skills and become the leader you've always wanted to be. Don’t miss your opportunity to grow as a leader! Tune in to the show every week on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Latest episodes

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04 December 2023

Eric Nguyen: Zego's Chief of Staff on Executive Alignment, Data Leadership, and Radical Candor

In this episode of the Leveraging Leadership series, your host Emily Sander discusses the role of Chief of Staff with Eric Nguyen, who currently serves in this capacity for Zego, a property technology company. The conversation covers various aspects and challenges of the role, with Eric sharing his career journey, how his background in economics and understanding of data shapes his work, and the value of open feedback, drawing wisdom from Kim Scott’s 'Radical Candor'. Eric also offers advice for both people stepping into the role of Chief of Staff and CEOs who are getting a new Chief of Staff.

 

Reach out to Eric Nguyen:

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn

Visit Zego’s website

 

Eric serves as the Chief of Staff for Zego, a property technology company. With a strong background in economics and an MBA, Eric brings a unique blend of theoretical and practical knowledge to his role. Starting as a competitive intelligence analyst and later heading up the revenue operations team, Eric gained a deep understanding of Zego's business operations. This cross-functional expertise enables him to effectively facilitate alignment across the executive team. Known as a 'Swiss Army Knife,' Eric excels at distilling complex information and providing actionable insights. 

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00:06 Introduction to Leveraging Leadership

00:15 Understanding the Role of Chief of Staff

00:51 Guest Introduction: Eric's Journey to Chief of Staff

01:04 Eric's Background and Experience

02:46 Eric's Role Progression at Zego

04:45 The Transition to Chief of Staff

07:23 Building Relationships as Chief of Staff

08:30 The Role of a Chief of Staff in a Company

13:55 Eric's Approach to Organization and Time Management

17:27 Influences and Role Models in Eric's Career

19:21 Advice for Incoming Chiefs of Staff and Executives

24:06 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

 

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

 

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: LinkedIn | YouTube

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27 November 2023

What Sets the Chief of Staff Apart: Traits That Make the Role Unique

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, host Emily Sander, a former Chief of Staff turned executive leadership coach, talks about what makes the Chief of Staff role unique. No one else at the company is doing what the Chief of Staff does. She emphasizes there is no one-size-fit-all approach to becoming a Chief of Staff - highlighting a diverse set of experiences can be an advantage. The role stands out by not being tied to a specific business function, but by providing a broader, strategic function. She describes the Chief of Staff positions as an intangible, behind-the-scenes “X-factors” that requires qualities like proactivity, empathy, and problem-solving.

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

 

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: LinkedIn | YouTube

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20 November 2023

Virginie Grange: Microsoft Chief of Staff on leadership roles in tech and success metrics

In this episode, Virginie Grange, the Chief of Staff at Microsoft, shares an insider's view of her journey and role within one of the world's leading tech companies. 

The conversation delves into her responsibilities as Chief of Staff, the key partnerships she cultivates, and her strategies for mastering the role. A crucial aspect of her success lies in aligning with her principal's vision and setting clear success metrics. She also details how she navigated her principal's transition into a new role, operational constraints, and how she leveraged her institutional knowledge.

An important highlight is Virginie’s approach to managing her team's productivity and morale while effectively utilizing her boss's time. This conversation provides valuable guidance and insights for anyone interested in leadership roles in the tech industry.

 

Reach out to Virginie Grange:

Connect with Virginie on LinkedIn

 

Virginie is an experienced business professional who has spent over a decade at Microsoft, holding various roles including Chief of Staff. She has valuable institutional knowledge and a proven track record in strategy, business development, and partnership management. Virginie is currently enjoying a sabbatical, exploring her creative side and preparing for her next career chapter. Connect with her today!

 

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(0:00:06) - The journey from Boston to Microsoft and her Chief of Staff role.

(0:08:13) - Strategies for navigating the Chief of Staff role and understanding the principal's vision.

(0:13:11) - Managing a team's productivity, and morale, and discovering hidden talents.

(0:19:05) - The transition from Disney to Vending Games and starting a mobile gaming business.

(0:21:37) – A career break focusing on painting, sculpture, and agility in career decisions.

 

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

 

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

 

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13 November 2023

Eric Nehrlich: Google's Chief of Staff on alignment leadership, how to use financial data, and his top book recommendations.

Imagine growing up in a small town, venturing out, and eventually becoming a Chief of Staff for the Search Ads Team at Google. That's the journey of our guest, Eric Nehrlich. 

 

Listen to Eric as he shares how he developed his leadership skills through a wide variety of roles. Hear how he used his financial background to bring credibility to his Chief of Staff role. 

 

Discover the importance of leadership alignment vs. hierarchical power, and how sci-fi books like "Ender's Game" can teach valuable leadership lessons. 

 

(00:06) Leveraging Leadership

From physics major to Google Chief of Staff, discussing his upbringing in Wheaton, IL and his principal's need for help.

 

(10:39) Leadership and Financial Insights in Business Hierarchical power, aligned leadership, distilling complex data, and gaining credibility with engineers.

 

(16:24) Influence and Collective Intelligence Importance Leadership, social trust, hierarchy, and information flow, drawing on his experience with a CFO.

 

(24:11) Leveraging Chief of Staff's Role Emphasizes building relationships, being prepared, repeating information, and framing it to resonate.

 

(30:52) The Chief of Staff role, emphasizing communication, reading the Principal's mind, and avoiding minutia.

 

(35:40) Book Advice and stories to help leaders find solutions, recognize limiting beliefs, and take action for different results.

 

(39:02) Themes in Ender's Game and Shadow Bean's magical genius, Battle School perspectives, and problem-solving mindset are discussed to recognize different perspectives in any situation.

 

(42:15) Eric's Insights and Surprise Bonus Ender's Game explores leadership, line management, Dunbar number, independent point of view, and Chief of Staff roles.



Eric Nehrlich, a seasoned executive coach with two decades of tech industry experience, empowers leaders to maximize their impact. He specializes in breaking down limiting mindsets and habits. Eric's upcoming book, "You Have A Choice," distils his career and coaching insights for a broader audience. Prior to coaching, he excelled as an engineer, product manager, and Chief of Staff at Google.

Connect with him today!

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn

Connect with Eric on Twitter

Visit his Website

Pick up his book: You Have A Choice: Beyond Hard Work To Meaningful Impact

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

 

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on LinkedIn | YouTube

Sign up for my newsletter Here

Lastly, find my COS Toolkit Here

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06 November 2023

What is a Chief of Staff, anyway?

Ever wondered what exactly a Chief of Staff does and how it could potentially revolutionize your organization? Or are you a Chief of Staff seeking to expand your leadership toolbox?

In this episode of Leveraging Leadership, Emily Sander, a former Chief of Staff turned executive leadership coach, introduces the Chief of Staff role. She starts by providing a high-level definition of the position and offers some useful analogies to help you understand it better.

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching visit: https://www.nextlevel.coach/

To purchase An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff visit: https://amzn.to/3O3pgFk

To purchase Hacking Executive Leadership visit: https://amzn.to/3bYEomc

Check out the COS Toolkit: https://emilysander.podia.com/chief-of-staff_toolkit-downloads

Sign up for my Newsletter to keep up to date: https://emilysander.podia.com/newsletter-signup

Follow Emily on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-level-emily/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextlevelemily 

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30 October 2023

Two-time COS Aarti Bhatnagar: Transitioning Roles, Delegation, and Sustaining Business Rhythm

In this episode, Aarti Bhatnagar, a former Chief of Staff turned leadership coach, takes listeners on a deep dive into her career journey, highlighting the dexterity and dynamism required in the Chief of Staff role. Aarti’s experience spans from management consulting to spearheading high-impact social initiatives, equipping her with invaluable insights into business leadership. 

We also explore her transition into coaching, the lessons she learned, and the wisdom she gleaned from seasoned leaders. Aarti emphasizes the importance of low ego in leadership roles, advising listeners on how to stay grounded and ignite their inner leader. She also unpacks the power of delegation, underlining its vital role in her successful career transition. 

Whether you're a current Chief of Staff, an aspirant, or simply interested in the intricacies of business leadership, this episode offers a wealth of insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear Aarti’s compelling journey and her insights into leadership.

 

Reach out to Aarti Bhatnagar:

Connect with Aarti on LinkedIn

Follow Aarti on Twitter

Visit her Website

 

Aarti is open to conversations about leadership, coaching, and the Chief of Staff role. Whether you're currently a Chief of Staff, aspiring to be one, or simply intrigued by the intricacies of business leadership, Aarti welcomes your insights and inquiries. Connect with her today!

 

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0:00:06 - Aarti's journey to becoming a leadership coach and her role as Chief of Staff.

0:03:20 - The multifaceted Chief of Staff role.

0:08:42 - Setting weekly priorities and adapting to change.

0:11:15 – "Walking deck" and improving communication as Chief of Staff.

0:16:32 - A strategic initiative to enhance communication within her company.

0:23:49 – The transition from Chief of Staff to leadership coach and lessons learned.

0:26:17 – Understanding a principal's strengths and adapting for effective leadership.

 

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Emily Sander is a C-suite executive turned leadership coach. Her corporate career spanned Fortune 500 companies and scrappy start-ups. She is an ICF-certified leadership coach and the author of two books, An Insider’s Perspective on the Chief of Staff and Hacking Executive Leadership. Emily works with early to senior executives to step into effective leadership with one-on-one coaching. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach.

 

To learn more about Emily and Next Level Coaching, click here.

Follow Emily on: Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

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