About Chiefly

I’m Poppy

I help Chiefs of Staff do their best work through coaching, consulting and convening.

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 relaxing on a fleecy blanket with a lamp in the background.

  • 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