A Decade in the Making: Founder and COS Together Again
Some partnerships just work. For Nikki Barua and Cheryl Couch, the CEO–Chief of Staff duo behind Beyond Barriers, it’s been over 13 years, three companies, and countless challenges. Together, they’ve built, scaled, and exited businesses. They’re using that experience to take Beyond Barriers from startup to scale-up.
Key Takeaways
A Chief of Staff can be a founder’s first hire. Nikki brought Cheryl in before the company even existed, knowing the role was mission critical.
Complementary skills create exponential impact. Their one-plus-one-equals-eleven approach blends vision with execution.
The role evolves with the company. Cheryl started by doing everything; now she focuses on strategic projects and culture.
Notable Quotes
“Your success is really dependent on finding the right partner—the right duo, the right complement.” – Nikki Barua
“If you want to excel in your role, love yourself more—get a chief of staff.” – Nikki Barua
“The opportunity to learn in almost everything in the business—that’s my favorite part.” – Cheryl Couch
Real-World Applications
First Hire Strategy – Founders can bring in a Chief of Staff early to accelerate execution and decision-making.
Example: A fintech founder hires a COS before sales or marketing, ensuring operational clarity from day one.Complementary Skills Pairing – Match leadership styles that balance vision and detail.
Example: A visionary product lead partners with a COS who thrives in process and follow-through.Role Evolution Planning – COS duties should shift as the company grows.
Example: In year one, the COS runs payroll; by year three, they manage strategic initiatives.
Nikki and Cheryl’s story shows that the founder–COS relationship isn’t just supportive—it’s transformative. With trust, complementary skills, and adaptability, they’ve navigated multiple businesses and are now preparing Beyond Barriers for its next leap. For leaders aiming to go further, faster, the right partner by your side can make all the difference.
Time Stamps:
01:55 Company Growth and Team Dynamics
02:43 Nikki and Cheryl's 13-Year Journey
05:04 The Role of Chief of Staff
07:18 Introducing the Chief of Staff Role to the Team
10:08 Evolving Responsibilities of Chief of Staff
21:32 Preparing for Series A Funding
26:29 Lessons from Past Experiences
27:42 The Importance of a Chief of Staff
Links Mentioned:
Connect with Nikki Barua on LinkedIn: / nikkibarua
Connect with Cheryl Couch on LinkedIn: / cheryl-couch
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.