Episode Details

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Executive Coach, Former Chief of Staff, Founder & ICF-Certified Coach of Next Level Coaching, LLC, Emily Sander. Emily likens herself to "Yoda" for leaders, guiding them to operate at the peak of their potential. She believes that while leaders can gain a lot from books and videos, there comes a point where they need someone else to provide training and offer an outside perspective. According to Emily, executive coaching is particularly beneficial for leaders in high authority roles. It provides a safe space for them to vent, brainstorm, and receive feedback on their blind spots. She also touched on the loneliness of being a CEO or founder and the importance of having someone to confide in. Coaching can help leaders manage their time, energy, and mindset, enabling them to perform at their best. The structure of coaching sessions can vary depending on the specific needs of the leader, whether it's preparing for an interview, navigating a new role, or addressing mindset and beliefs. Emily explained the importance of hiring a Chief of Staff for early-stage founders. While it may not be necessary when a company only has 2 or 3 employees, once the team grows and there is a need for coordination and strategic initiatives, a Chief of Staff becomes invaluable. A Chief of Staff is a gap filler, taking on various responsibilities and filling in the gaps in the founder's skillset. Emily gave an example of a CEO with a technical background but lacked expertise in people operations and HR. In this case, a Chief of Staff was brought in to handle those areas.

Key Points from the Episode:

• The value of coaching for leaders in high authority roles
• The benefits of coaching in providing a safe space for venting, brainstorming, and receiving feedback
• The importance of having someone to confide in as a CEO or founder
• How coaching can help leaders manage their time, energy, and mindset
• The varying structure of coaching sessions based on specific needs
• The significance of coaching certifications, particularly the ICF certification
• Discussion on when founders should consider hiring a Chief of Staff
• The role of a Chief of Staff in coordinating and filling gaps in a founder's skillset

About Emily Sander:

Emily Sander is a seasoned business professional with over 15 years of experience in various leadership roles. Her career highlights include being part of the initial testing team for the groundbreaking Kindle device and co-founding a startup with just six team members. Emily's expertise extends to building global client management teams from the ground up and optimizing processes within established companies. She has also served as Chief of Staff for CEOs and leadership teams, demonstrating her ability to operate at the highest levels of corporate leadership. Driven by her passion for helping individuals reach their full potential, Emily transitioned into a full-time coaching role. She now works with business leaders worldwide, from early-career professionals to seasoned executives and entrepreneurs. Emily's unique blend of corporate and coaching experience culminated in the authorship of "Hacking Executive Leadership," a concise and accessible book that distills her insights into effective leadership. She also authored a book "An Insider's Perspective on the Chief of Staff," shedding light on the often-underappreciated role in corporate settings. Emily Sander's career journey exemplifies her comm