How a Chief of Staff Role Can Boost Your Career Big Time
A Chief of Staff role can be more than just a job—it can be a launchpad. Done right, it gives you insider access, high-level decision-making exposure, and skills that can speed up your career by years. Melissa Schmidiger’s experience shows exactly how.
Key Takeaways
Be the bridge. As Chief of Staff, you’re often the translator between your leader’s vision and the team’s execution.
Learn beyond your comfort zone. Use the role to gain skills in areas you don’t know yet, not just in what you’re already good at.
Get board-level exposure. Involvement in board prep and governance builds strategic insight and credibility.
Notable Quotes from Melissa Schmidiger
“You have to craft the role for yourself, but craft it so that you will have a successor.”
“It’s not just about feeding what you’re good at—you also need to test the things you’re not so good at.”
“If people believe you’re doing the best you can for the principal and the company, they will create a path for you.”
Real-World Applications (with examples)
Translate leadership vision into action.
Example: Summarizing a CEO’s meeting points into one clear chart so the team focuses on action, not note-taking.Seek out skill gaps.
Example: Volunteering for a finance project even if your background is in marketing, so you broaden your portfolio.Participate in strategic governance.
Example: Helping prepare board meeting materials and sitting in on sessions to learn high-level decision-making.
A Chief of Staff role can fast-track your career if you approach it with purpose. Build trust, learn new skills, deepen relationships, and keep sight of your long-term goals. Done right, it’s not just a job—it’s your career’s biggest accelerator.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to Melissa Schmidiger
00:52 Melissa's Career Before Chief of Staff
01:42 Transition to Ayala Land
02:25 Becoming Chief of Staff
03:13 Role and Responsibilities as Chief of Staff
03:45 Communication Challenges and Solutions
05:15 Learning and Growth in the Role
09:17 Strategic Contributions and Board Governance
13:40 Post Chief of Staff: Marketing and Beyond
17:07 Global Roles and Achievements
31:00 Career Coaching and Empowering Women
33:24 Conclusion and Contact Information
Links Mentioned:
Connect with Melissa Schmidiger on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissa-schmidiger
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.