Mastering Startup Leadership: CEO and Chief of Staff Role Evolution
Running a startup is chaotic. At Vū, CEO Tim Moore and Chief of Staff Natalie Piekarski prove that the right leadership setup can turn that chaos into real momentum. This post breaks down how their roles evolved, the lessons they learned, and how you can apply the same ideas.
Key Takeaways
Start with Trust, Not Titles: Natalie began as an executive assistant. Her promotion to Chief of Staff came only after she’d already taken on that work in practice.
The CEO Must Let Go: Tim learned that holding on too tightly can slow the business. A great chief of staff helps the CEO stay focused on the big picture.
The Chief of Staff is a Bridge: Natalie keeps departments aligned, identifies issues early, and helps the CEO avoid blind spots.
Notable Quotes
“The transition wasn’t about the title. I was already doing the job.” – Natalie Piekarski
“You can’t scale as a leader without someone watching your blind spots.” – Tim Moore
“There was a young man who said though, it seems that I know that I know, but what I would like to see is the I that knows me when I know that I know that I know.” – Alan Wilson Watts
Real-World Applications
Hire for attitude and growth, not just skill.
Example: Tim hired EAs like Natalie for their energy and potential, not just admin skills. She later became VP.Let your Chief of Staff filter internal feedback.
Example: After Tim makes a tough call, Natalie checks in with the team to see how it landed—and adjusts messaging if needed.Avoid shiny object syndrome by staying strategic.
Example: When celebrities like Mr. Beast or Shaq use their studios, Natalie helps the team stay focused on scalable goals, not just the hype.
Startups move fast. Without clear roles and deep trust, it’s easy to get stuck. Vū shows what’s possible when a CEO steps back and a Chief of Staff steps up. The result? Speed, clarity, and growth that actually scales.
Time Stamps:
00:33 Overview of Vū's Business
02:05 The Need for a Chief of Staff
06:42 Tim's Leadership Style
09:46 Natalie's Responsibilities
16:52 Board Meeting Preparations
18:46 Importance of Chief of Staff in Communication
32:57 Building Trust and Relationship
Links Mentioned:
Vū's Website: http://vu.network/
Connect with Tim Moore on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tampatim
Connect with Natalie Piekarski on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/natalie-piekarski-1711a5127
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.