About Chiefly

I’m Poppy

I help organisations and Chiefs of Staff do their best work, and I’m leading the conversation about Chief of Staff excellence in the United Kingdom

FAQs

I’ve lived and studied the Chief of Staff role for many years. I’m its biggest advocate.

I bring a rare blend of corporate and consulting expertise from some of the world’s leading companies, including FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 organisations, plus private firms and scale-ups.

My experience spans strategy consulting, in-house leadership, and the Chief of Staff role, giving me an exceptional understanding of what it takes to drive impact at the highest levels - and how to help people be at their best and work in alignment with their natural talents and values.

This led to my mission with Chiefly: Enable Chiefs of Staff to excel authentically and confidently, and work with organisations and leaders to supercharge their impact, refine their strategic thinking, and build Chief of Staff / principal partnerships that truly work.

There are plenty of lessons I wish I’d learned earlier on - but now I’m excited for my experiences to become valuable insights you can apply right now. If you're ready to land a Chief of Staff role, sharpen your problem-solving toolkit, and navigate challenges with confidence, let’s talk.

My professional and educational background

I bring 18 years corporate experience - plus a couple of years in the public sector. Some highlights:

  • Became Chief of Staff to CEO in the Aerospace industry

  • Hired directly as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company in London - part of the Automotive and Aerospace practice

  • Brought in-house to Ford Motor Company as strategy lead

  • Spent several years at Accenture where I focused on behaviour and culture change for clients

I’m a linguist by education, but have also turned my hand to finance:

  • BA Joint Honours in Modern Languages from University of Bristol, UK (Spanish and Italian)

  • Investment Management Certificate (IMC) holder

As a northern state-schooler, I’m passionate about social mobility and am committed to doing my bit for education:

  • Vice-Chair of Board of Governors at London primary school

And just for fun…

  • I love being out in nature

    Especially in Scotland, my adoptive home and my happy place. But I also love the Mediterranean. And the Alps. And Italy, which has a special place in my heart.

    Landscape image of the Scottish highlands, with a river running between green hills

  • I love being at home

    I love hosting friends and family; menu planning, opening my home to them, and catching up over wine (as long as it’s not red).

    Four people next to a table where there are drinks, candles and plants. We can't see their faces. They are chatting.

  • I love animals

    Cats are my favourite. That’s my cat Bruce there. But I love them all and am a long time vegetarian, and a new vegan. I do miss croissants.

    A black and white cat is stretched out on the carpet, lying in the light and shadow cast by the sun through a window. There is also the leg of a wooden chair.

  • I love music

    My own personal hell is a long-haul flight without headphones. Or even a Tube journey. Some of my best life moments have been at concerts.

    A close-up picture of a Bechstein piano keyboard, with some blurring in the back and foreground. It is a dark brown wood like walnut.
Image of Poppy Johnson Chief of Staff Coach and Fractional Services

I’d love to hear from you, whether you’re a leader or a Chief of Staff. It’d be great to work together!

Book a free call