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.

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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

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’

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