From Theory to Practice: Gaining Operational Experience with Chief of Staff Revant Gupta
Revant Gupta didn’t jump into operations because it was easy. He did it because theory wasn’t enough. After working in finance and writing a thesis on modern CFO tools, he knew he needed real experience. As Chief of Staff at Margin, a FinTech startup, he now helps build the very systems he once analyzed.
Key Takeaways
Operational experience teaches what theory can’t—how people work, not just numbers.
The Chief of Staff role is best for learning across product, marketing, strategy, and people.
Execution is everything. Ideas are cheap if they’re not built.
Notable Quotes
"The art of leadership is like understanding your team and ensuring that there's like healthy disagreement.”
"My life runs on lists and reminders. So in a job like this, you're going to wear many different hats. There will be things that are going to come up constantly."
"The more I can have these tools that help me stay a little bit like more balanced and like leveled out personally, the more I can make better strategic decisions."
Real-World Applications
Bridge Theory with Execution
Example: Revant used his finance background to design real product features, not just models.Lead from the Middle
Example: He connects product, marketing, and engineering teams—keeping execution aligned to vision.Build Around OKRs
Example: Margin tracks core metrics like inventory turnover to guide user strategy, just like their customers.
Being Chief of Staff isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about learning fast, adjusting quickly, and leading with purpose. Revant Gupta proves that you don’t need a perfect plan. You need to show up, execute, and keep moving.
00:45 Meet Revant Gupta: Serial Entrepreneur
01:24 Revant’s Involvement in Home Depot Finance Team
05:14 Transition to Margin: Automating Financial Planning
06:44 The Role of AI in Margin's Strategy
08:21 Challenges and Strategies for Small Businesses
11:40 Revant’s Role as Chief of Staff
15:27 Marketing and Growth Strategies
29:34 Leadership Insights and Personal Growth
Links Mentioned:
Margin Company Website: https://mrgn.ai/
Connect with Revant Gupta on LinkedIn: / revant--gupta
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.