Chief of Staff in Consulting: Crafting Communication Channels with Nishi Moonka
Nishi Moonka became Chief of Staff in early 2020, right before the world shut down. She had never held the title before. She hadn't worked with her CEO. And within weeks, her boss caught COVID. But Nishi leaned in and figured things out fast. In this blog, she talks about building trust, owning communication systems, and staying grounded through chaos.
Key Takeaways
Systems don’t have to be fancy. A shared Google Sheet can change everything.
Culture and operations often blur. Chiefs of Staff end up shaping both.
You need curiosity, resilience, and serious flexibility to thrive in this job.
Notable Quotes
"My Mantra was like how can I be helpful...what can I do to be of service to literally anybody on the leadership team."
"You have to invest the time with your person to get that trusting relationship and figure out how it is that you're going to work together."
"I think you really have to love learning... I think it requires a lot of learning and a lot of people skills."
Real-World Applications
Start With a Daily System
Example: Nishi used a simple end-of-day Google Sheet and email combo to keep her CEO aligned without needing constant meetings.Shape Culture from Within
Example: Nishi stepped into a Head of Purpose & Culture role while keeping her CoS hat—bridging values with daily work.Task Switching With Mindfulness
Example: She trained herself to pause, focus, and shift with intention instead of juggling everything all at once.
Nishi Moonka shows what modern leadership looks like behind the scenes. It’s not about control. It’s about service, systems, and staying grounded when things get messy. Her story is proof that the best Chiefs of Staff don’t wait to be told what to do—they start by asking how they can help.
Link Mentioned:
Blue Beyond Consulting Website: https://www.bluebeyondconsulting.com/
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.