Frequently asked questions about Chiefs of Staff, coaching, and consulting work

A Chief of Staff works directly for the leader of an organisation. It’s a senior executive role, that primarily exists as an aide, an advisor, and a right hand to the leader. It can fit any number of different archetypes from the confidante to the broker to the operator.
The proximity to the leader and the broad scope of the role mean that I don’t see the role as interchangeable with a COO, a CHRO, or an EA.
There’s more here about the role itself.

Coaching is partnership and process. A coach supports clients in discovering their own insights and solutions through skilful questioning and active listening, without automatically providing advice or direction. The coach helps clients clarify what’s important to them, increase self-awareness, and take deliberate action toward their desired outcomes. Of course, sometimes mentoring (giving advice) is more helpful to clients. I think a blend is best.
I have developed programmes for the three main stages in the Chief of Staff journey. It goes beyond just a Zoom call - I include exercises between sessions, little immersive experiences and tangible tools for clients.

In terms of mentoring vs. coaching, it’s up to the client what that balance looks like. I believe there’s a place for both - to me, coaching and mentoring are not mutually exclusive concepts.
Three things:
1. My credentials. I’ve been a Chief of Staff, I’ve researched and published on the role, and I continue to stay at the forefront of the topic. I also always learn from my brilliant clients. I’ve been successful in line roles, and in consulting. Clients say that’s a very useful combination. I also bring pattern recognition and EQ gained over nearly two decades.
2. The content. It’s coaching for Chiefs of Staff, not Chief of Staff coaching, so it can go in lots of directions. It can also be more tightly structured, if you like. It’s a blend of in-session work and self-paced study.
3. The results. I can show you how to do your best work and be at your best. There’s no certification, since you probably won’t be a Chief of Staff forever, but you’ll always be able to apply what you learn in your career and life.
If you’re looking to land a Chief of Staff role, go for the Chiefs of Staff of Tomorrow programme. If you’re new to a Chief of Staff role, it’s Starter Kit. For more seasoned Chiefs of Staff looking to reset and redirect, check out Reset and Refine.
If you’re still at the “what’s it all about” stage, book a one-off Compass session and get the clarity that will save you weeks of thinking and reading.

It means consulting to your organisation on the Chief of Staff role (as opposed to doing the role at your company - what’s often called fractional work).
This is for leaders who’ve never hired a Chief of Staff before and organisations that have one (or a cohort) already and want to supercharge them.
Usually, it’s a project fee. Occasionally, a day rate.
I help in two main ways:
- Referring you to the right search professionals
- Preparing an onboarding plan for your new Chief of Staff and coaching them through their first 100 days
As a consultant Chief of Staff, I’m now industry-agnostic, but my deepest expertise lies in automotive.