Leveraging Leadership

Emily Sander
  • 5.0 (27)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Leadership is messy. Most advice isn't built for the reality of competing priorities, difficult stakeholders, limited time, and imperfect information. Leveraging Leadership is a practical leadership podcast for Chiefs of Staff, executives, founders, and senior operators who want to lead more effectively and navigate complexity with confidence. Hosted by Emily Sander, former Chief of Staff and executive advisor, each episode delivers real-world lessons, practical frameworks, and candid conversations with leaders across business and beyond. Topics include executive communication, leadership presence, decision-making, delegation, organizational influence, operating rhythms, team effectiveness, and the often-unspoken challenges leaders face behind the scenes. If you're looking for thoughtful conversations, practical takeaways, and leadership advice you can actually use on Monday morning, you're in the right place.

  1. 2d ago

    Why Big Ideas Die Inside Good Organizations

    Terry Young, author of Possibility Sciences: A Discipline for Turning Bold Ideas Into Reality, joins me to talk about why bold ideas so often die before they ever make it into the real world. We get into what Terry calls the “Possibility Gap” - the distance between what humans can imagine and what our existing systems can actually bring to life - and why closing that gap requires more than better brainstorming or better technology. It requires changing the incentives, structures, and habits that quietly push organizations back toward incrementalism. Terry also explains concepts like Return on Future, patient capital, moonshots, zero-waste innovation, and why innovation may be shaped less by individual bravery than by the systems surrounding people. We also talk about human-AI collaboration, where AI can help us navigate the known at scale while humans bring judgment, curiosity, and the ability to explore the unknown. Links Mentioned: Possibility Sciences Possibility Sciences: A Discipline for Turning Bold Ideas Into Reality Become a Possibilian 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: 01:20 – The Possibility Gap: Why Great Ideas Never Become Reality 03:20 – What Is a Possibilian? 04:50 – Return on Future vs. Short-Term ROI 06:10 – Stick, Stack, Fund: Why Bold Ideas Need Patient Capital 08:00 – Commercial Realism, Ethics, and the Possibilian Ethos 10:20 – Why Big Missions and Moonshots Matter 13:10 – Tackling Human Trafficking as a Systems Problem 16:00 – Rebuilding the Innovation Operating System 18:20 – Why Incentives Shape Innovation More Than Bravery 22:20 – Building a New Discipline and Seeding It Into Old Systems 25:50 – Zero-Waste Innovation and Why Every Idea Matters 27:50 – Stop Hoarding Ideas and Start Building on Them 31:30 – AI + Humans: Hybrid Intelligence 34:30 – Making Money and Doing Good at the Same Time 35:50 – The Book, Possibility Sciences, and Becoming a Possibilian

  2. Sep 21

    How PE-Backed Companies Turn Strategy Into Results

    Private equity firms invest with a value creation plan. But the strategy on the slide deck only matters if the company can actually execute it. Brea Page, founder of Keep75 and a former Google Chief of Staff and strategy leader, joins me to talk about what happens after the investment: turning strategy into operating rhythms, getting founders and PE firms aligned on expectations, building reporting that creates an early-warning system, and helping leadership teams shift from doing everything themselves to actually scaling through the organization. We also dig into Brea’s “champion and challenge” model for the Chief of Staff, why PE-backed companies often need someone dedicated to keeping execution from slipping, and how a strong Chief of Staff can turn a strategy from an idea on paper into measurable business results. Along the way, we talk about founder transitions, PE/portfolio-company communication, internal Chief of Staff promotions, the danger of giving someone the Chief of Staff role without taking away their old job, and why the operating partner + embedded Chief of Staff model may be one of the strongest ways to support portfolio companies as they scale. Links Mentioned: Keep75 Brea Page 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: 04:10 – From Google to Private Equity 06:00 – How Operations Create Value 10:50 – The Founder Shift: Accountable vs. Responsible 13:50 – Translating Between PE and Portfolio Companies 18:40 – What “Founder-Led” Means After PE Investment 20:20 – Why PE-Backed Companies Need Chiefs of Staff 24:30 – What a Chief of Staff Actually Does 26:20 – Operating Partners + Embedded Chiefs of Staff 30:20 – Hiring and Matching the Right Chief of Staff 36:30 – The Ideal PE Operating Model + Keep75 #chiefofstaffpodcast #ChiefOfStaff #COSpod

  3. Sep 14

    Executive Presence Is Range, Not a Persona

    Executive presence isn't a checklist of confident behaviors, and it isn't a persona you put on when you reach the C-suite. Jacque McCormack, co-founder of JetStream Advisors and an executive coach with more than 15 years of experience working with leaders and executive teams, joins me to unpack what executive presence actually looks like in practice: how people experience you, how you flex between authority and approachability, and how you stay grounded enough to respond intentionally when the pressure rises. We talk about the difference between performative confidence and quiet confidence, the leadership models we unconsciously copy, and why a new executive role can be a chance to deliberately evolve your leadership brand. Jacque also shares specific considerations for women navigating the authority-approachability double bind, along with practical communication tools like bottom-line-up-front messaging and emotional granularity. A big theme throughout the conversation: executive presence is less about looking the part and more about knowing the wake you create - especially when things get difficult. Links Mentioned: JetStream Advisors Previous Leveraging Leadership conversation with Noel Sobelman 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: 00:50 - What executive presence actually feels like 03:20 - Performative confidence vs. quiet confidence 05:30 - The authority-approachability spectrum 08:40 - Audit the leadership model you're mimicking 12:40 - Starting fresh in your first C-suite role 15:10 - Define your leadership brand and the wake you create 20:40 - Executive presence and the double bind for women 24:40 - Bottom-line-up-front communication and emotional granularity 27:20 - Leadership halos, shadows, and stress responses 29:20 - The pause: responding instead of reacting 34:20 - Emotional sovereignty is a muscle, not fake it till you make it 36:10 - Matching leadership horsepower to the organization 38:20 - Why leadership development became a calling #chiefofstaffpodcast #ChiefOfStaff #COSpod

  4. Sep 7

    From Safe Bets to Breakthroughs: Building a Balanced Innovation Portfolio

    Noel Sobelman explains innovation portfolio management and how companies can bridge the gap between strategy and execution. He shares a medical device company example where shifting from safe, incremental projects to a more balanced mix led to higher growth. The conversation also covers using tools like metered funding, managing risk, and how roles like Chief of Staff help leaders focus on what's best for the whole company instead of just one business unit. Links Mentioned: Noel Sobelman’s Book: Innovation Portfolio Management: Linking Strategy to Execution Connect with Noel Sobelman 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: 01:14 What Portfolio Management Means 03:55 Medical Device Turnaround Story 07:33 De Risking with Metered Funding 12:41 Saying No and Staying Agile 14:05 Governance and People Dynamics 19:16 Assessing Your Current Portfolio 23:51 Finding the Right Mix 26:33 Decision Focused Portfolio Reviews 28:32 AI and Maturity Benchmarking 33:36 Success Metrics and Gold Standard Example

  5. Aug 31

    Freedom from Mental Captivity: Insights on Mediation and Workplace Communication

    Stan Lewis, a former OSHA investigator and mediator, explains how most workplace whistleblower cases come down to communication issues and how managers can prevent problems by listening early. He shares practical mediation tips, like letting people vent, asking what success looks like, and using company policy consistently. Stan also talks about the importance of addressing conflict when it’s still small and relates his “Freedom from Mental Captivity” framework from his new book. Links Mentioned: Pre-order Evict The Doubts Squatting Rent-Free In Your Mind Book Stan Lewis’ 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: 01:01 What OSHA Really Does 02:50 Preventing Issues Through Communication 05:20 Early Resolution and ADR 07:00 Mediator Questions That Work 12:41 Setting Expectations and Offers 15:59 Prework and Breaking Stalemates 22:23 Handling Workplace Tension Early 30:08 Speaking Their Language DiSC 35:01 Evicting Doubts and Wrap Up

  6. Aug 24

    Persuasion Versus Manipulation: Ethical Leadership and Building Trust Across Teams

    JonRobert Tartaglione shares how to lead through influence without direct authority, drawing on his background in psychology and examples like political polarization and message framing. He explains why Chiefs of Staff need to use persuasive, not just expressive, communication and offers practical tips, such as using diagnostic questions, hedging language, and leveraging social norms in organizations. The conversation covers what actually works to change minds, why logic alone is rarely enough, and how to avoid manipulation or coercion. Links Mentioned: Influence51 Website Connect with JohnRobert 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: 01:14 Academic Journey and Psychology 03:26 Political Psychology and Polarization 06:55 Strategic Communication Modes 14:50 Persuasion vs Manipulation 20:55 Illusion of Explanatory Depth 23:52 The Art of Listening 27:59 Expressive vs Persuasive Communication 32:20 Loss Aversion in Business 38:31 Social Norms and Behavior

  7. Aug 19

    Speak Like a Pro: Boost Your Confidence with Tactical Leadership Drills

    Emily Sander shares three simple exercises to help anyone sound more confident in meetings, interviews, and presentations. She walks through the "expert game," explaining how to act like the world’s leading authority on random topics like Flashdance or koala bear feeding habits. The episode includes practical tips like recording yourself, using variety in your voice, and practicing for just 30 seconds a day. Get in touch with Emily: Want to sound more confident? 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: 01:18 Exercise One Expert Game 03:07 Expert Game Examples 09:02 Exercise Two Three Things 13:37 Range and Emotion Variations 17:03 Exercise Three Five Things 20:02 Daily Practice Habit 22:57 Record and Refine Voice 26:44 Pick the Right Moment 27:46 Results and Final Wrap

  8. Aug 17

    Standards Over Stress: How Self-Leadership Heals Burnout and Brings Fulfillment

    Bobby Shelton shares his journey from chasing external accomplishments to finding real satisfaction through self-leadership, including losing 180 pounds and shifting his focus after reaching personal low points. The conversation covers the difference between "easy-hard" (doing things for others' approval) and "hard-hard" (pursuing what matters to you), and offers advice on setting simple, personal standards, like refusing to eat M&M's, to build discipline. The discussion also touches on faith, burnout, and how to align your inner life with your work as a founder, CEO, or Chief of Staff. Links Mentioned: Bobby Shelton’s Website Bobby Shelton’s Book The Self-Leadership Lab Podcast 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: 01:06 Easy Hard vs Hard Hard 02:34 Losing Yourself to Find Yourself 05:08 Burnout and External Validation 07:58 Finding Alignment and Purpose 11:59 Mirror Moment and Commitment 14:30 Purpose and Daily Standards 17:18 Build Standards One Step 20:31 Faith Philosophy and Selfless Leadership 34:56 Redefining Success and Closing

See All (313)

5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Leadership is messy. Most advice isn't built for the reality of competing priorities, difficult stakeholders, limited time, and imperfect information. Leveraging Leadership is a practical leadership podcast for Chiefs of Staff, executives, founders, and senior operators who want to lead more effectively and navigate complexity with confidence. Hosted by Emily Sander, former Chief of Staff and executive advisor, each episode delivers real-world lessons, practical frameworks, and candid conversations with leaders across business and beyond. Topics include executive communication, leadership presence, decision-making, delegation, organizational influence, operating rhythms, team effectiveness, and the often-unspoken challenges leaders face behind the scenes. If you're looking for thoughtful conversations, practical takeaways, and leadership advice you can actually use on Monday morning, you're in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Emily Sander
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    313
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Leveraging Leadership
  • Show Website
    Leveraging Leadership

You Might Also Like