What Clara Ma Learned From Building ‘Ask a Chief of Staff’ (And How It Can Help You)
Clara Ma didn’t set out to build a community. She simply wanted help figuring out her new Chief of Staff role. But her search for resources turned into Ask a Chief of Staff, a platform that now connects hundreds of Chiefs of Staff, helps executives hire the right people, and creates a space where others can learn from shared experience. Her story shows what happens when you build something people truly need.
Key Takeaways
Start from need. Clara couldn’t find good resources when she began, so she created them for others.
Clarity matters. Knowing what industry, company stage, and culture you want helps in landing the right role.
Community is leverage. Having peers to ask questions makes the role less isolating.
Notable Quotes
“Networking is the biggest piece of advice I can give to anybody on the job market.”
“It’s not about what they can do for you, but what you can do for them.”
“Titles will come and go, but the support you give to an executive will always be there.”
Real-World Applications
Narrow your job search. Example: Instead of “tech,” say “healthtech, late-stage, hybrid company.” This makes your story clear to recruiters.
Build your network deliberately. Example: Reach out to one Chief of Staff, then ask who else they know. One connection often leads to three more.
Pitch the role internally. Example: Offer to take on one project that frees up an executive’s time, as a “trial run” before formalizing the role.
Clara Ma shows that the Chief of Staff role doesn’t need to be lonely or unclear. By building Ask a Chief of Staff, she created a space where people can grow, connect, and get practical help. The lesson is simple: if you can’t find the resource you need, you can build it — and chances are, others need it too.
00:17 Meeting Clara Ma: Former Chief of Staff to Founder
01:16 The Genesis of Ask a Chief of Staff
02:56 Building a Community for Chiefs of Staff
07:00 Navigating the Job Market as a Chief of Staff
09:57 The Role of Networking in Your Career
13:06 Leveraging the Ask a Chief of Staff Community for Job Searches
17:13 Differentiating Between Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant Roles
19:26 Unlocking the Chief of Staff Role: Insights and Resources
20:25 Workshop Webinars: Free Resources for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff
22:11 Crafting the Perfect Chief of Staff Resume
26:05 Pitching the Chief of Staff Role Internally
32:46 Announcing the first Chief of Staff Summit
36:50 The Future of Ask a Chief of Staff
Links Mentioned:
Ask A Chief of Staff Website: https://askachiefofstaff.com/
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.