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Leveraging Leadership

Leveraging Leadership

By: Emily Sander
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About this listen

Are you ready to up your leadership game? Tune in to Leveraging Leadership, where Chiefs of Staff, executives, and business professionals find the tools, strategies, and insights they need to excel. Hosted by Emily Sander, a C-suite executive turned leadership coach, this podcast delivers practical and tactical takeaways every week.

Whether you're tackling tough conversations, fine-tuning your KPIs, or mastering delegation, this show offers new perspectives and actionable advice to help you feel confident and thrive in your role.


Each Monday, enjoy interviews with leaders from diverse fields—primarily business, but also from military, politics, and higher education. Every Wednesday, catch a solo episode where Emily shares concise, actionable insights on a specific topic you can apply immediately.

If you appreciate relatable, informal conversations that pack a punch with no fluff, you’re in the right place. While especially valuable for Chiefs of Staff and their Principals, the insights are useful for any leader aiming to grow.

Don’t miss your chance to advance as a leader.

© 2026 Leveraging Leadership Career Success Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • The BOLD Framework for Leaders: Outlast Adversity and Disrupt the Norm

    The BOLD Framework for Leaders: Outlast Adversity and Disrupt the Norm
    Apr 13 2026

    Audley Stephenson shares his journey from basketball fan to podcast host and sports league commissioner, highlighting how audacity shaped his life and career. He explains the BOLD Framework for living audaciously, discusses meeting Kobe Bryant, and debunks myths about audacity by showing it's not reserved for elite achievers or reckless acts. Audley also talks about building self-awareness, celebrating small wins, and the importance of taking action.


    Links Mentioned:
    Audley Stephenson’s Podcast

    Audley Stephenson’s Website



    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:
    02:07 Origin of Audacity

    04:09 Basketball Podcast Breakthrough

    06:26 Pandemic Pivot to Purpose

    10:29 Bold Framework and Myths

    23:20 Affirmations Need Action

    24:47 Courage Before Confidence

    25:20 Reframing Failure as Data

    27:51 Bold Leadership Decisions

    35:11 Audacity Myths and Legacy
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Practical Strategies for Building a Culture of Feedback in Your Team

    Practical Strategies for Building a Culture of Feedback in Your Team
    Apr 8 2026

    Learn practical ways to build a culture of feedback at work, whether your team is new to honest conversations or already open to input. Emily Sander shares examples like using simple "what did we learn?" discussions after meetings, asking for feedback on your own actions, and starting anonymous pulse surveys. Tips include using "we" language in reviews, modeling how to accept feedback, and structuring shout-outs and team evaluations to encourage constructive dialogue.


    Link Mentioned:
    Radical Candor by Kim Scott


    Get in touch with Emily:
    Want help building a feedback culture? 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:
    00:41 Radical Candor Recap

    01:43 Why Feedback Cultures Fail

    02:59 Start Small and Be Patient

    03:36 Ask What Did We Learn

    05:46 Model Feedback on Yourself

    07:37 Debrief Story Example

    11:14 Pulse Surveys and Follow Through

    13:00 Structured Group Feedback Loops

    22:29 Wrap Up and Next Steps
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Leadership Lessons From Portugal: Managing Two Principals and Dual Roles (HR and CoS)

    Leadership Lessons From Portugal: Managing Two Principals and Dual Roles (HR and CoS)
    Apr 6 2026

    Maria Paiva shares her path from chemical engineering to a blended Chief of Staff and HR role at a small Portuguese company, explaining how her job covers everything from people management to company strategy. She discusses working for two principals, how her company’s idea of Chief of Staff came from The West Wing, and why she often introduces herself as an HR manager due to the role’s novelty in Portugal. Maria also talks about earning team trust, organizing manager training, and balancing planned HR tasks with unpredictable Chief of Staff responsibilities.


    ​​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:
    00:56 Maria Career Path

    02:55 Two CEOs And Role Origin

    08:50 Balancing HR And CoS

    12:07 Managing Dual Principals

    16:48 Handling Principal Pushback

    17:35 Scaling Leadership Structure

    20:42 Outside Chief of Staff Learning Curve

    27:18 Building Trust Through Listening

    34:15 Advice and Closing Thoughts
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
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