From Google to Coaching: Supporting Leaders and Building Relationships in Business
What makes a great Chief of Staff? According to former Google Chief of Staff and coach Katie Rohn, it often comes down to relationships, self-awareness, and helping other people succeed. Katie and Emily Sander talk about career growth, coaching, leadership, and why the Chief of Staff role looks different for everyone.
Key Takeaways
Relationships are a huge part of the job.
Katie explains that Chiefs of Staff manage four key relationships: with the principal, leadership team, broader organization, and themselves.Career paths are rarely straight lines.
Katie moved from sales at Google into strategy, operations, and eventually coaching. She described career growth as a “slow build” rather than one big moment.The role can open many career doors.
Some Chiefs of Staff become COOs, founders, operators, or coaches. Others stay in the role long term because they enjoy being behind-the-scenes leaders.
Notable Quotes
“I really love being an enabler for others to do great work.”
“There are sort of like three external relationships that you navigate as a chief of staff, and then there's one internal relationship, which is the relationship with yourself.”
“The role can be both short term or long term. It just depends on the person and what they want from their career.”
Real-World Applications
Use the role to explore career options
The position gives exposure to many parts of a business.
Example: Someone working as Chief of Staff in a startup discovers they enjoy operations more than marketing and later moves into a COO role.
Pay attention to internal motivation
Career decisions should not only be based on titles or outside opinions.
Example: An employee turns down a promotion because the role does not align with their long-term goals or personal priorities.
Make time for reflection
Busy professionals often move too fast without thinking about what they actually want.
Example: A mid-career operator works with a coach to identify what type of work gives them energy before making their next career move.
This shows that success in business is not only about strategy or titles. It is also about relationships, self-awareness, and helping others succeed. Whether someone stays in a Chief of Staff role for two years or twenty, the experience can shape how they lead, work, and grow in the future.
Time Stamps:
01:20 Journey to Chief of Staff at Google
03:26 Roles and Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff
09:38 Transition to Coaching and Career Reflections
22:42 Exploring Career Paths for Chiefs of Staff
25:13 Balancing Personal Values and Career Growth
29:33 Navigating Relationships in the Chief of Staff Role
36:52 Adapting to Changes and Finding the Right Fit
Links Mentioned:
Connect with Katie Rohn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katie-rohn
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.