The Realities of Wearing a Million Hats at Work
When you wear “a million hats” at work, it’s not just a saying — it’s a lifestyle. Martin Dowling, Chief of Staff at IBO in Germany, talks about what it really means to juggle roles, lead change, and still stay sane in the process. From engineering to psychology, consulting, startups, and private equity, Martin’s story is a reminder that careers are rarely straight lines — and that being a generalist can be your biggest strength.
Key Takeaways
Flexibility builds careers. Martin’s path shows that switching fields — from engineering to psychology to leadership — can sharpen problem-solving and adaptability.
Change meets resistance. Whether in HR, manufacturing, or tech, people push back on change. Success lies in finding the small wins that make others’ lives easier.
Chief of Staff = tactical translator. The role sits between strategy and operations — bridging leaders’ vision and employees’ daily work.
Notable Quotes
“You can always try to put the world into a model, but every model has flaws — you have to be okay with risk.”
“Sometimes, you just click a button to see what happens — that’s how you learn.”
“The Chief of Staff should live in the shadows — not tied to one department, but helping everyone move forward.”
Real-World Applications
1. Build careers from pivots.
Example: You might start in finance and shift into operations. Like Martin, each move teaches you how systems — and people — really work.2. Lead change through small wins.
Example: Instead of overhauling a whole process, automate one task that saves a coworker an hour a day. It builds momentum and trust.3. Protect leaders’ time.
Example: A Chief of Staff can redirect everyday issues away from the CEO, letting leadership focus on strategy instead of fire drills.
Wearing a million hats isn’t chaos — it’s craft. It’s learning how to move between strategy and detail, big vision and tiny fixes. As Martin Dowling puts it, the key is staying curious, embracing uncertainty, and finding meaning in helping others work better. Because sometimes, leadership isn’t about having one hat — it’s about knowing which one to wear next.
Time Stamps:
01:47 Career Beginnings and Shift to Psychology
03:02 Consulting and HR IT Solutions
06:48 Role as COO and Lighting Company
08:00 Challenges in Job Market and Chief of Staff Role
12:20 Responsibilities and Impact as Chief of Staff
19:28 Implementing Change and Overcoming Resistance
30:28 Advice for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff
40:06 Conclusion and Lighting Product Discussion
Links Mentioned:
Connect with Martin Dowling on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/martinrdowling
AONA Light’s Website: https://www.aona.life/
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.