Switching Lanes: Finding Your Stride as a Chief of Staff
Moving into a Chief of Staff role is rarely straightforward. It’s not a promotion in the usual sense—it’s a lane change. One day you’re in the spotlight as a consultant or leader; the next, you’re behind the scenes, balancing egos, strategies, and operations. Melissa Yap, Chief of Staff at Deloitte Southeast Asia, spoke with Emily Sander about her transition into the role, the doubts she faced, and the lessons that helped her find her stride.
Key Takeaways
Low ego is critical. The role isn’t about being seen—it’s about enabling others to succeed.
Perspective shifts everything. Moving from a specialist role to a vantage point role means seeing the bigger picture.
The role is fluid. It changes depending on the leader’s style, company size, and organizational stage.
Notable Quotes
“The more invisible you are, the more visible your impact becomes.” – Melissa Yap
“Sometimes we forget the unsung heroes in the back office who make everything run.” – Melissa Yap
“Low ego is not optional in this role—it’s essential.” – Emily Sander
Real-World Applications
Cross-Function Alignment
Example: Act as the “plastic ring on a six-pack of soda”—keep strong leaders connected and moving in the same direction without overshadowing them.Handling Visibility Misconceptions
Example: When people think you’ve “retired” or are “just admin,” reframe the role by showing the business impact of strategic projects.Learning through Exposure
Example: Treat the role like a “practical MBA.” Lean into soft skills—stakeholder management, trust building, and communications—just as much as technical expertise.
Switching lanes into a Chief of Staff role comes with self-doubt, blurred definitions, and hidden work. But as Melissa Yap shows, once you embrace the vantage point, the role becomes less about personal spotlight and more about impact. Success comes from low ego, clarity, and the ability to connect dots others can’t see.
Time Stamps:
00:58 Melissa's Journey to Chief of Staff
02:46 Early Challenges and Personal Growth
07:30 Deloitte's Global Structure
09:53 Connecting with Other Chiefs of Staff
13:55 Operational and Strategic Responsibilities
17:43 Prioritizing Strategic Initiatives
24:50 Writing the LinkedIn Article
28:41 Reflections on the Chief of Staff Role
34:36 Advice for Chiefs of Staff and Principals
Links Mentioned:
Mel Yap’s LinkedIn Article: Demystifying the Chief of Staff Role: https://tinyurl.com/37dy7hyh
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.