Leveraging Leadership

Emily Sander
  • 5.0 (26)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you ready to up your leadership game? Tune in to Leveraging Leadership, where Chiefs of Staff, executives, and business professionals find the tools, strategies, and insights they need to excel. Hosted by Emily Sander, a C-suite executive turned leadership coach, this podcast delivers practical and tactical takeaways every week.Whether you're tackling tough conversations, fine-tuning your KPIs, or mastering delegation, this show offers new perspectives and actionable advice to help you feel confident and thrive in your role.Each Monday, enjoy interviews with leaders from diverse fields—primarily business, but also from military, politics, and higher education. Every Wednesday, catch a solo episode where Emily shares concise, actionable insights on a specific topic you can apply immediately.If you appreciate relatable, informal conversations that pack a punch with no fluff, you’re in the right place. While especially valuable for Chiefs of Staff and their Principals, the insights are useful for any leader aiming to grow.Don’t miss your chance to advance as a leader.

  1. 1D AGO

    Why “How Can I Help You?” Is a Dangerous Question for Chiefs of Staff

    This episode explains why Chiefs of Staff should avoid asking "How can I help you?" and instead focus on what will move the needle for their principal and team. Emily Sander shares real pitfalls, like getting stuck with small admin tasks, and suggests specific strategies such as spotting communication breakdowns or coaching leaders through challenges. The advice includes leading with strategic proposals rather than just picking up tasks others want to hand off. Get in touch with Emily: Want help shifting from task-taker to strategic partner? Book a clarity call w/ Emily 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: 00:25 The Help Question Trap 02:08 Ask Needle Moving Questions 02:45 High Impact Examples 03:59 Know Your Best Service 04:32 Avoid Getting Pigeonholed 05:26 Lead With a Proposal 07:04 Takeaways and Closing

    9 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Lessons from the Role of Chief of Staff and CAO

    Nick McDonough talks about his path from manufacturing and M&A to becoming Chief of Staff and later Chief Administrative Officer at the healthcare startup QuikMedic. He shares how his role expanded as the company tripled in size, taking on HR, data, and operations responsibilities. Nick also gives practical insights into prioritizing work, building trust with the CEO, and why he prefers working at a small, fast-moving company over a large organization. Links Mentioned: QuikMedic’s Website Connect with Nick McDonough on LinkedIn 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: 01:02 Nick’s career path: manufacturing → healthcare → corp dev & partnerships 03:11 What QuikMedic Clinic does: mobile urgent care to keep patients out of the ER 04:36 Defining the initial role: Chief of Staff to CEO + Head of Growth & Strategy 05:40 How the role expanded into CAO: scaling pains, HR/data/vendor rigor 09:17 Day-to-day execution: small team, key projects, prioritization cadence & partner work 20:08 Big Company vs. Small Company: What Changes Day-to-Day 22:56 Why Going Smaller Was Intentional (and the Vet Practice Influence) 25:09 Chief of Staff Lessons: Trust, Candor, and Challenging the CEO 31:43 Favorite Parts of the Role: Full Visibility & Seeing Decisions Up Close 34:43 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff + Relationship ‘Thread the Needle’

    40 min

  3. MAR 18

    Giving 100% of Your 70%: Leading on Days That Feel Blah

    The episode tackles what to do when you feel a case of the "blahs" at work, making sure to distinguish it from burnout. Chief of Staff tips include taking a walk, stretching (like the doorway stretch), listening to motivational music or interviews (such as Kobe Bryant), and giving 100% of whatever energy you have that day. Emily Sander encourages self-awareness and having go-to strategies ready for those off days. Get in touch with Emily: Feeling the “blahs” at work? Get clear on your next move. Book a clarity call w/ Emily 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: 01:01 Blahs vs. Burnout: Make the Right Diagnosis First 02:01 Quick Reset Tactics: Walks, Stretching, and Movement 03:51 Give 100% of Your 70%: Showing Up Without the Guilt 04:32 Name It to Tame It: Remember the Blahs Are Temporary 05:12 Use External Energy: Music, Motivation, and a “Pump-Up” Playlist 06:31 Build Your Personal Playbook: Patterns, Experiments, and Leadership Self-Awareness 07:49 Wrap-Up + Sponsor Message

    8 min

  4. MAR 16

    Decoding the Modern Chief of Staff and Their Essential Responsibilities

    Rachael Goldfarb shares real-life stories from her time supporting the Chief of Staff to President Clinton and leading at the Gates Foundation. She breaks down what a Chief of Staff is and isn’t, highlights why the role is senior and not administrative, and talks about challenges women face in these positions. The episode includes examples of advocating for staff, building relationships, and navigating tough boundaries with principals. Links Mentioned: Connect with Rachael Goldfarb on LinkedIn Email Rachael Goldfarb 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: 01:25 Experiences in the White House 05:55 Defining the Chief of Staff Role 12:15 The Importance of Relationship Building 20:58 Women in Leadership and Chief of Staff Roles 25:43 The Thrill of Helping Others 27:53 Challenges and Misunderstandings 32:09 Elevating the Chief of Staff Role 42:33 Demonstrating Value as a Chief of Staff 46:10 Final Thoughts and Advice

    50 min

  5. MAR 11

    Growth Isn’t Always Obvious - Give Yourself Credit

    Emily Sander shares stories about a former coaching client worried his current job stress might cause health issues like it did ten years ago, and a military veteran adjusting to planning her first personal vacation after years of work travel. The episode focuses on recognizing your own growth, not judging yourself by your past reactions, and giving yourself credit for changes you’ve made over the years. Get in touch with Emily: Need support reframing stress and honoring your growth? Book a clarity call w/ Emily 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: 00:41 Story #1: Corporate Stress, Anxiety, and Fear of Repeating the Past 03:06 You’re Not the Same Person: Tools, Support Systems, and New Ways to Handle Pressure 04:00 Zoom Out: Stop Assuming Old Triggers Mean the Same Outcome Today 06:16 Story #2: Learning to Vacation After a Career of Work Travel 07:44 Reframing the Pressure: New Season, New Skills (and Some Transferable Ones) 08:44 Key Takeaway + Closing Thoughts: Grace for Growth and Life Phases

    10 min

  6. MAR 9

    How Coaching Transforms Leadership at Every Level

    Brian Miller, president of Coach Approach Ministries, explains the difference between coaching, consulting, and therapy, and why a "coach approach" helps people solve problems by seeing new perspectives. The discussion includes practical examples for Chief of Staff roles, like asking thought-provoking questions, giving feedback based on observations, and understanding team strengths using tools like Working Genius. The episode shares tips on creating a safe space for honest thinking, growing through coaching, and building complementary teams. Links Mentioned: Coach Approach Ministries Website 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: 00:40 Defining Coaching and Its Importance 05:50 Coaching vs. Consulting 16:54 The Evolution of Coaching in Industry 23:34 Thought Provoking Coaching 25:33 Effective Coaching Techniques 28:27 Feedback and Radical Candor 31:28 Levels of Learning in Coaching 34:02 Identity and Leadership 39:28 The Value of Assessments in Coaching

    44 min

  7. MAR 4

    Q&A: How to Handle Changing Directions at Work Without Losing Your Cool

    A listener asks how to handle frustration when work on a project is dropped because directions change. Emily Sander shares that this happens often to Chiefs of Staff and explains the value of understanding the reason behind changes, reframing “wasted” work, and managing your emotional response. Helpful strategies include asking why priorities shifted, recognizing that work might be reused later, and focusing on what’s best for the team. Get in touch with Emily: Need help handling changing directions at work? Book a clarity call w/ Emily 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: 00:25 Listener Question: When Work Gets Derailed by Changing Priorities 01:17 Step 1: Ask ‘Why Are We Changing Direction?’ (and When to Push Back) 03:07 Explaining the ‘Why’ to the Team Without Needing to Agree 04:08 Reframing ‘Wasted Work’: What Still Carries Forward 05:13 When ‘Unused’ Work Becomes Valuable Later 06:57 Managing the Emotional Whiplash + Refocus on What the Team Needs Next 08:59 Wrap-Up + Next Week + Sponsor Message

    9 min

  8. MAR 2

    Leadership Lessons from the Beehive: Productivity, Decision-Making, and Organizational Wisdom

    Philip Atkinson shares how being a Chief of Staff inspired his work as a beekeeper and his book, "Be Wise." He explains leadership lessons from bees, like avoiding busywork, practicing servant leadership, and making decisions through consensus. Philip also talks about bees keeping their hive clean, the importance of closing out projects at work, and supports the Bees for Development charity with book proceeds. Links Mentioned: Philip Atkinson's Leadership and Coaching Consultancy Connect with Philip Atkinson on LinkedIn Follow Be Wise Book on Facebook Follow Be Wise Book on Instagram Philip Atkinson’s Book All proceeds from the book go directly to this charity supporting beekeeping in developing countries: Bees for Development Learn more about the Bee Wise project and the charity fundraising here. 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: 03:07 Lessons from the Hive: Productivity and Leadership 04:53 The Role of the Queen and Servant Leadership 09:57 Decision Making in the Hive 16:06 The Lifecycle and Roles of Bees 21:32 Beehive Cleanliness and Bird Predators 22:35 Seasons of Life and Career 24:45 Comparing Beehives to Organizational Roles 25:44 Fascinating Bee Facts 27:10 Sensing the System: Lessons from Beekeeping 31:06 Challenges of Beekeeping 35:41 Supporting Bees and Beekeepers Worldwide

    38 min
See All (266)

5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Are you ready to up your leadership game? Tune in to Leveraging Leadership, where Chiefs of Staff, executives, and business professionals find the tools, strategies, and insights they need to excel. Hosted by Emily Sander, a C-suite executive turned leadership coach, this podcast delivers practical and tactical takeaways every week.Whether you're tackling tough conversations, fine-tuning your KPIs, or mastering delegation, this show offers new perspectives and actionable advice to help you feel confident and thrive in your role.Each Monday, enjoy interviews with leaders from diverse fields—primarily business, but also from military, politics, and higher education. Every Wednesday, catch a solo episode where Emily shares concise, actionable insights on a specific topic you can apply immediately.If you appreciate relatable, informal conversations that pack a punch with no fluff, you’re in the right place. While especially valuable for Chiefs of Staff and their Principals, the insights are useful for any leader aiming to grow.Don’t miss your chance to advance as a leader.

Information

  • Creator
    Emily Sander
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    266
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Leveraging Leadership
  • Show Website
    Leveraging Leadership

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