Managing Two Principals, CEO and COO: Mel Mathews Rejoins Former Company as Chief of Staff
Mel Mathews returned to a company she used to work for — this time as Chief of Staff. She shares what it’s like to work directly with both a CEO and a COO, what makes this role work, and how returning as a leader is different from being an operator. It’s a real look at a unique leadership position.
Key Takeaways
The Chief of Staff role is based on trust. It’s not about doing more work — it’s about making the CEO and COO more effective.
Two principals, two priorities. The CEO thinks long-term; the COO focuses on operations. Mel works to align both.
It’s about leverage, not control. The goal is to help leaders do what only they can do — not to take over.
Notable Quotes
“They need to be able to really get a clear understanding for the role. Chief of staff is not going to come on board and be your EA.
“Chief of staff is many, many things. Boring is not one of them."
They're not really focused on revenue generation and marketing and talent acquisition and all the other things that go into the day to day. That's why they brought me on."
Real-World Applications
Balance two leadership styles: A Chief of Staff must understand both vision and execution.
Example: Mel helps the CEO prioritize future goals while assisting the COO with tactical problem-solving.Rebuild trust even if you’re known: Being familiar doesn’t mean being trusted.
Example: Mel scheduled intentional one-on-one meetings with team leaders to hear their views first.Support from the background: The best CoS work happens behind the scenes.
Example: Mel shapes agendas and aligns meetings to help leaders stay focused, not distracted.
Mel’s move into the Chief of Staff role shows that leading from behind is just as important as being in front. Managing two leaders with different styles takes trust, awareness, and no ego. Her experience proves that coming back can be a step forward — when the role is built on purpose.
Time Stamps:
00:33 Mel's Career Journey
02:01 About Performance Architects
03:53 Role and Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff
04:36 Autonomy and Trust in Leadership
07:19 Returning to Performance Architects
16:25 First 60 Days as Chief of Staff
23:17 Advice for Executives Hiring a Chief of Staff
28:30 Favorite Aspects of Being Chief of Staff
Links Mentioned:
Performance Architects' Website: https://www.performancearchitects.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.